Community gatherings should be kept to the minimum to effectively contain any further spread of Covid-19, a senior healthcare official urged on Monday.
Dr Ahmed al-Mohamed, head of Internal Medicine at Hamad Medical Corporation and medical director of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, was talking to Qatar TV.
Referring to the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and subsequent hospital admissions, he stated that the situation is still under control and there is no reason for fear.
"But, there is a pressing need for more care to strictly abide by the precautionary and preventive measures against Covid-19, as most cases are due to community infection," he asserted.
Dr al-Mohamed pointed out that throughout the last three months of last year, the number of Covid-19 cases had dropped considerably and demand dropped for beds in hospitals and Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
"This led to the decision to close some of these hospitals but the necessary infrastructure and medical equipment are still available, besides the required number of medical staff and health professionals.
"The health sector in the country is better equipped now to handle any increase in cases with more efficiency and experience. The teams concerned can resume their work with the already available well-equipped hospitals."
Citing the availability of Covid-19 vaccine, Dr al-Mohamed said it gives great hope and optimism in alleviating the pandemic situation, but due to the limited supply people have to be classified into priority groups.
"So, I advise people who have the opportunity to take the vaccine, which is safe and effective, and people should stop listening to and circulating any rumours that spread fear about the vaccination," he added.
 
 
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