Qatar Tuesday reports 230 Covid-19 cases, 4 deaths and 296 recoveries

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Tuesday reported 230 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus (Covid-19). Of these, 140 were from the community and 90 from travellers returning from abroad. The MoPH also recorded 296 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 213,632. The ministry has also recorded the deaths of four patients, aged 32, 47, 61 and 68 respectively. Three among the deceased had a history of chronic disease and all were receiving necessary medical care. As per National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Data: * 2,574,692 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the programme. * 29,499 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the past 24 hours. * 64.2% of the eligible population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine. * 92.4% of over 60s (the most vulnerable population group) have been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 85.8% have received both doses. In recent weeks the combined impact of Covid-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, and the 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 two highly-contagious and highly-virulent strains of the coronavirus that are actively circulating in the community. The plan to gradually lift restrictions will be delivered over four phases, with each phase lasting three 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 set by the government. Unlike last year, it is possible to give more freedom to vaccinated people who will enjoy certain privileges before others. It is vital that people do not claim victory against the coronavirus too early, as with the new, highly-transmissible variants in the community, there remains the potential for the coronavirus to gain momentum and for numbers to rise. With Covid-19 still a health threat in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures: * Adherence to physical distancing. * Avoid close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate. * Wear a face mask. * Wash 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. For regular updates and new information, please visit the MoPH website.