File picture of Communicable Disease Centre used for representation
Doha: The authorities in Qatar have taken necessary steps to tackle the rise in COVID-19 cases but they have urged community members to play their role in curbing the pandemic by strictly following the precautionary measures.
“We have taken the issue of rising COVID-19 cases seriously. The committees concerned have been reactivated to tackle the pandemic,” said Chairman of HMC’s Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed.
Speaking in Qatar TV programme, Dr. Ahmed, who is also Medical Director of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, said the committees made action plan related to expansion in health care facilities and preparation on the level of healthcare in general.
“Now we have expanded facilities to receive the increasing cases of COVID-19 which need intensive care and regular health care as well,” said Dr. Ahmed.
He said that plans are ready to open new hospitals if needed. “There were hospitals which were active in June, July and August 2020, the equipment and beds are still intact and are ready to use any time if needed,” said Dr. Ahmed.
Speaking about the spike, Dr. Ahmed said: “Unfortunately there is big change which we are witnessing now in new cases of COVID-19.” He said this was not inspected because the pandemic continued but with the grace of God during previous months from August to December, Qatar flattened the curb in spike of COVID-19 cases.
However, he said some countries witnessed the second wave in the month of October but the situation of the pandemic in Qatar was excellent because of preventive and precautionary measures which are still in place.
“The strict measures reflected in the health sector where hospital admission rate was low within the capacity of facilities,” said Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed. “Recently during past two weeks, we started noticing the spike in the cases of infection of COVID-19 including those needed to admit in the hospital for regular care and intensive care.”
He said there are some reasons behind the spike like changes in the virus itself enabling to infect in bigger way and relaxation in the community recently individual level and those attending events.
“But despite spike, we are in the beginning and by adhering strictly to COVID-19 measures, we can control the situation,” said Dr. Ahmed.
