According to Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is now at 337, after an additional 17 cases were announced yesterday. These new cases are connected with the previous cases of expat workers contracting the disease. Learn more about how you can protect yourself from the coronavirus here.
For now, the new cases are safely quarantined and in isolation from the public to avoid infecting others. They are reported to be in good health and getting the necessary health care for full recovery. Meanwhile, the government authorities are continuing its initiative to check other residents who have been in contact with the cases.
COVID-19: Number of Cases in Qatar Update
The following is the official announcement via tweet from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH):
The Ministry of Public Health announced 17 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qatar ,the ministry said that the new cases relate to the previously discovered ones among expatriate workers who are quarantined ,the new cases are under complete isolation #QNA pic.twitter.com/zObofFTUsm
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) March 14, 2020
The Ministry acknowledges that the current coronavirus situation is quickly evolving, and as such, the country has made necessary changes to the way residents are obtaining health care. The following is a tweet from MOPH regarding these changes.
As a result of the rapidly evolving situation relating to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a number of changes have been made to the delivery of healthcare services in Qatar. #Qatar #COVID19 #فيروس_كورونا #قطرhttps://t.co/FQct7AuCbX
— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) March 14, 2020
Essentially, the MOPH announces that it has made changes to prioritize the protection of visitors, patients and the public in general, and making all necessary steps to stop the spreading of COVID-19. One of these changes is the cancellation of scheduled appointments, except for appointments on ultrasound, urgent radiology, vaccination and Well-baby.
In addition, at the Hamad Medical Corporation, scheduled outpatient appointments are set to resume, but this time the consultations will be made through the telephone. As such, patients that have scheduled outpatient appointments should not go to the hospital, unless the doctor recommends the patient visits the hospital.
In light of the current COVID-19 situation, the MOPH advises the public to follow all measures to not be infected and to stop spreading the disease. The latest news about COVID-19 can be found in the Ministry’s official website. In addition, the ministry has set up a toll-free hotline number 16000 for questions regarding the coronavirus.
As responsible citizens, we all need to do our part to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. The government of Qatar has instituted all the right countermeasures and reminded the public to do their part health-wise. One of the best things we can do right now is to stay at home, but if you must travel, watch the following safety tips.