Dr. Abdul Latif Al Khal, Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
Doha: Dr. Abdul Latif Al Khal, Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has said that more social distancing is required to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in the country.
“The social distancing measured by the Google Mobility report suggested that the social distancing situation in Qatar improved in the beginning and then later less adherence to the social distance was recorded at retail and recreation facilities like supermarkets and shopping complexes,” said Dr. Abdul Latif Al Khal.
Dr. Al Khal delivered yesterday a lecture on ‘COVID-19 Epidemic in Qatar: Reality, Confrontation and Containment Strategy’ at Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies.
“The adherence rate of maintaining social distance in Qatar is not enough, we advise people to adhere strictly to the social distancing as long as the coronavirus exists in the community,” said Dr. Al Khal.
He said that first reading was taken on March 29 and latest one on May 2 from a number of places including retail & recreation, groceries & pharmacies, workplaces and residential areas.
“The recommended state measures like social distancing, adhering to wearing face masks while going out, cleaning hands frequently, suspending visits will help flattening the curve,” said Dr. Al Khal.
Regarding low rate of mortality in coronavirus patients, he said that Qatar provided high level intensive care services to the patients of coronavirus with the help of qualified medical cadres who serve the patients like family members.
“Qatar conducted intensified early detection screening of coronavirus resulting in revealing many cases which did not show any symptom. The screening was conducted randomly and the contacts of the positive cases,” said Dr. Al Khal.
Speaking about the time-frame of returning to normal life, he said that World Health Organization recommended not to hurry in restoring normalcy because it could cause second wave of infection.
“The life will return to normal gradually in several phases. The beginning of phase 1 depends on the extent of the spread of virus in the community for example the infection rate which requires one percent, stability for two to four weeks and a number other health factors,” said Dr. Al Khal.
Regarding vaccination against COVID-19, Dr. Al Khal said that about 8 types of vaccinations are under experiments in all over the world and results of these tests will come soon.
