Qatar Sunday reports 256 Covid-19 cases, 4 deaths and 770 recoveries

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Sunday reported 256 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19). 144 of these were from community cases and 112 from travellers returning from abroad. The MoPH also recorded 770 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 207,077. The Ministry also announced the deaths of four patients aged 56, 67, 74 and 77 years who were chronically ill and were receiving the necessary medical care. The MoPH issued a statement on Covid-19 developments in Qatar, which said the following: - 2035475 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the programme. - 33457 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the past 24 hours. - 52.5 percent of the eligible population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine. - 88.7 percent of over 60s (the most vulnerable population group) have been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 82.9 percent have received both doses.   Current Covid-19 status: - In recent weeks the combined impact of Covid-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, and the overwhelming support of the community, has resulted in a consistent reduction in the number of new daily infections in the country. - However, it is still important to be cautious as the second wave is not yet over and there are still two highly contagious and highly virulent strains of the virus that are actively circulating in the community. - The plan to gradually lift restrictions will be delivered over 4 phases with each phase lasting 3 weeks. - The date of implementation and the duration of each phase will depend on the epidemic indicators which depend to a great extent on the degree of compliance of the community members with the current measures, restrictions and guidance by the government. - With the potential spike post Eid a distinct possibility, the first phase of the lifting of restrictions is planned to start on 28 May this will allow sufficient time to analyze the data and determine the impact of Eid - Unlike last year, it is possible to make more freedoms available to those people who are vaccinated where they will enjoy certain privileges before others - It is vital that people do not claim victory against this virus too early with the new, highly-transmissible variants in the community, there is still the potential for the virus to gain momentum and for numbers to rise.   What people can do: - With the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures: - Adherence to physical distancing. - Avoiding close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate. - Wearing a face mask. - Washing hands regularly. - Anyone suffering from Covid-19 symptoms should contact 16000 helpline immediately. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it. - Visit the MOPH website for regular updates and new information.