The novel coronavirus has no doubt created unusual situations across the world. What seems to be the best way to fight back so far is to take precautions and improve personal hygiene.
Qatar, in many ways, has been carrying out exceptional steps to counter the challenge whether it is provision of healthcare, extending financial support and ensuring safety of every citizen and resident.
Following the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant authorities, the private healthcare providers have also been leaving no stone unturned to offer best possible medical care and hygienic conditions for the visitors.
Following the efforts to clear common misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the virus, Community contacted the administration of Al-Ahli Hospital. 
Dr David Miller is an experienced medical practitioner from Australia. He carries extensive experience of working across the Middle and Far East. Currently, he is working as Director of Guest Safety and Quality at Al-Ahli Hospital. His professional focus is patient safety and the quality aspects of health care.
Hospitals are the places where numerous patients and other people visit every day. In the current circumstances, the visitors may be extra cautious about visiting a hospital. When asked that what kind of precautions the hospital has taken for the visitors, Dr David said: “The safety and quality of care provided to our guests is Al-Ahli Hospital’s priority. As a leading healthcare provider in Qatar, we responded quickly to the emerging situation by establishing a task force to identify and implement priority actions in a considered and co-ordinated manner by our internal experts.
“Our practices have been responsive to the best available information about the emerging situation. We quickly implemented a system of Visual Triage to screen everyone entering the hospital for signs, symptoms, and risk factors related to Covid- 19. Implementing these measures enables us to provide timely and appropriate care to guests in need while minimising the risk to other guests and staff.
“Streamlined procedures have also been introduced to identify staff with cold and flu symptoms and to ensure they get immediate care and assistance. All actions involve taking additional steps to inform and educate guests about the virus and to minimise the anxiety caused by outbreaks such as this one.
“Ensuring adequate supplies of critical equipment and medicines and implementing a range of additional measures to sanitise the physical environment to the highest standards have been priorities. Particular emphasis has been placed on high contact surfaces to create the safest environment possible.”
He added: “We have gone on to respond to emerging advice and to increase awareness and provide education to the community on simple but effective steps to minimise the risks associated with this virus. Our measures and precautions ensure we are in an optimal position to continue to offer the high standards of care and guest services for which Al-Ahli Hospital is renowned.”
In response to the question about how people can safeguard themselves from the virus, Dr David said: “The best advice is the one provided by the Ministry of Public Health and based on the World Health Organization’s recommendations. Frequent hand hygiene, coughing or sneezing into a folder elbow or tissue and immediately disposing of it in a covered bin, avoiding face touching, maintaining a safe distance from others, avoiding crowds, and importantly, avoiding contact with others with respiratory symptoms or suspected of having a respiratory infection are all essential protective measures. Wearing a surgical type mask is also helpful if you have respiratory symptoms to protect others.
“We are all in this together, and everyone must play their part to protect themselves and others. This is especially important for older people and those with other health concerns who may be particularly susceptible to this virus.”
About what people need to keep their immune system strong to ward off the virus, he said: “Taking every opportunity to boost your immune system is good for health generally but is especially crucial in terms of fighting off, or minimising the impact of infections.
“A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, including fruit and vegetables, goes a long way to improve your immune system. Regular exercise and adequate sleep are essential too, and they also help to reduce stress, which can negatively impact immunity.
“Al-Ahli Hospital provides a range of services focused on optimising health and wellbeing; utilising such services can contribute to overall general health, wellbeing, and vitality.”