As part of the fourth phase of the gradual and controlled lifting of restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government allowed the reopening of business and institutions including schools, universities, mosques, museums, malls, gyms, restaurants and other facilities but with adherence to certain health restrictions.
Easing of preventive measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 has also allowed flights to and from Qatar while COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements are in place for individuals entering Qatar in particular for travellers from countries indicated in the green list. Fortunately this is happening here in Qatar at the time when many countries are re-imposing the health restrictions and complete lockdown for certain periods of time. Relaxing health restrictions and reopening businesses and facilities does not mean that preventative measures will not continue, rather to avoid another wave of infection, health authorities are continuously emphasising strict adherence to the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The preventive measures were timely, proportionate and effective in lowering number of deaths. Also there is provision of sufficient healthcare facilities to treat infected individuals. Unfortunately, it has been noted that many of the society members are failing to comply with Cabinet decision and Law No. 17 of 1990 regarding infectious diseases, and also neglecting preventive and precautionary measures in place to limit the spread of the virus.
Therefore, within the last few days hundreds of people have been referred to the Public Prosecution, by the competent authorities for not complying with wearing masks in places where it is mandatory.
The experience of COVID-19 for over nine months has proved that individuals have a key role to play against the spread of the virus through full adherence to health instructions and fulfilling basic health requirements which are essential to curb the spread of the virus. These include taking care and apply simple, preventive measures such as wearing a face mask in public, washing hands or using sanitizers and keeping distances.
Health officials have assured the society that the State of Qatar will be among the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine within the coming few months, people are required to adhere to the precautionary and preventive decisions in force to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus pandemic. Qatar has been praised for its response to the pandemic including aggressive testing and contact tracing and efficiency in containing small cluster outbreaks, but carelessness and failure to respect laws and preventive measures by some people may be the reason behind daily cases hovering around 150 in recent weeks.
