It has been three months since the first case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in the State of Qatar. Ever since, the country has recorded over 50,000 cases of infection with the virus, with 33 deaths. The authorities moved quickly to take preventive measures and safeguard the most vulnerable after the first cases were detected and have been greatly successful in curbing its spread. The recent increase in the number of confirmed cases has been attributed to the peak phase of the outbreak which the country and the region are currently passing through, according to health officials. However, a world-class public healthcare system has resulted in a very high recovery rate from the infection in Qatar.
More than 15,000 patients have already fully recovered and discharged from hospitals and quarantine facilities. For the first time yesterday the number of people recovering was greater than people being diagnosed with the infection. So far, more than 0.2 million people have been tested for the coronavirus in the country. With aggressive testing and contact-tracing, health authorities aim to reach positive cases as early as possible to help break the chain of transmission and reduce the spread of infection in the community. The preventive measures taken by the authorities recently included closure of all non-essential businesses during the Eid holidays, compulsory use of protective face mask in public and the introduction of contacttracing mobile phone app ‘Ehteraz’. The app helps track COVID-19 cases, informing users if they come into contact with anybody who has tested positive for COVID-19.
At the same time, the government has ensured the protection of migrant workers in the country, both from the infection as well as the economic impact of the global health crisis. Qatar’s efforts to protect the rights of workers and ensuring a state-of-the-art healthcare for all have been lauded by diplomats and community leaders. Qatar has also been an embodiment of global cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, sending medical and essential supplies and field hospitals to nations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. As the country passes through the peak phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is vital, more than ever now, that the public adhere to all the preventive and social distancing measures announced by the authorities. With an aggressive contact-tracing and testing system in place, coupled with all the preventive measures, it is hoped the country will soon pass the peak of the outbreak and see significant reduction in new cases.
