Qatar’s untiring efforts in containing the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been drawing praise from several quarters, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), different ambassadors accredited to Qatar and especially the domestic population, citizens and residents alike.
For Qatar, as was in the case of other parts of the world, the virus is an invisible, imported enemy. Every detail, except the make up of this latest virus, is still unknown and experts the world over are struggling to unravel it fully. Without knowing the vital traits of the virus, we cannot think of finding a solution, a medicine or vaccine to stop its march. Experts are yet to even finalise the incubation period of the virus, which is very crucial in releasing people from quarantine. Another major factor is to find out the period in which it spreads to others and when it becomes inactive or dormant. These are the main factors which are crucial in controlling the spread and treating the affected people.
Despite all these unfavourable situation, Qatar did its best thanks to the farsightedness of its wise leadership and efficient healthcare system and infrastructure. The total number of recovered patients, 614 as of yesterday, the lowest death rate in the Arab world, and the easing of some measures which were put in place sometime back to contain the virus spread are enough proof of this.
The Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, announced on Monday the partial reopening of some parts of the Industrial Area, which had emerged as a hotspot in the country. Some parts of the area was locked down completely and placed under quarantine. The reopening will start today for much of relief to the authorities and especially the residents and commercial establishments in the area. H E Al Khater shared some very important and heartening information such as 90 percent of the coronavirus infections in Qatar are light and only one percent is serious. There are only 72 people in intensive care while 52 people left the intensive care.
For the last couple of days, Qatar has been witnessing a rise in positive cases. But there is no cause for alarm as the country is testing more and more people, proportionately the largest ratio of tests in the world. The fact that almost every new case is from among the quarantined people is another piece of good news.
But it is not yet time to sit back and relax. It depends on each one of us how far and how fast can we get out of this imbroglio. If all of us take responsibility and play our roles well, we can defeat this virus sooner rather than later.
