*Record 5,205 people recover from Covid-19 in last 24 hours
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Friday announced the registration of 1,993 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 5,205 new recoveries and three new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovered people in Qatar to 20,604.
The ministry stated that the three new deaths recorded were of those aged 84, 48 and 65 years, respectively, and suffering from chronic diseases and receiving treatment in intensive care. The MoPH has extended its sincere condolences and great sympathy to the families of the deceased.
The reason for the large increase in the number of recoveries from Covid-19 is due to the application of the latest international recommendations, approved by the MoPH.
Over the last 24 hours, the ministry also recorded 20 new patients being admitted to intensive care due to the virus, bringing the total number of cases that currently in intensive care to 216.
In a statement, the MoPH stated that the new cases are expatriate workers infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions.
Cases of infection have also increased among citizens and residents as a result of contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings.
The MoPH revealed that infections doubled due to family gatherings and visits between friends and extended families, and people ignoring the preventive measures recommended by the concerned authorities; the most important of which is staying at home and maintaining social distance.
The new cases have been identified after conducting investigations by the research and investigation teams of the MoPH that contributed to early detection.
The new confirmed cases of infection have been introduced to complete isolation in the various medical facilities in the country, where they receive the necessary healthcare according to the health status of each case.
According to a tweet from the MoPH, with a total of 5,864 people tested for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, as many as 212,897 have been tested so far in Qatar. The total number of infected people in Qatar since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak is 52,907.
The total number of current active cases is 32,267. The total number of people currently under acute hospital care is 1,612, including 246 acute hospital admissions in the last 24 hours. The total number of Covid-19 deaths so far in Qatar is 36.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should either quickly contact the 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centres for testing for the virus. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover.
The four main testing centres are Muaither Health Centre, Rawdat Al Khalil Health Centre, Umm Salal Health Centre; and Al Gharafa Health Centre.
The MoPH stated that Qatar is still in the peak phase of the virus outbreak, which is seeing a rise in the number of infections recorded daily, and therefore it is necessary to adhere to, more than ever before, the preventive measures and social measures recommended.
The ministry also stressed the importance for the elderly or those suffering from chronic diseases and their family members to follow strict measures to reduce the chances of infection, including refraining from social visits.
The MoPH reiterated that because the Covid-19 outbreak is at the peak stage in Qatar, it is important not to leave the house except when absolutely essential. It also stresses the importance of adhering to all measures to protect against virus infection, including maintaining social distancing both in the workplace and public places, as well as wearing a medical mask and avoiding social visits to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
The ministry also recommended visiting its official website regularly to view the latest information and instructions related to Covid-19.