Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Medical Director, Hamad General Hospital
Health experts are advising the public to keep following all the precautionary measures against COVID-19 even as restrictions imposed to curb the pandemic's spread are gradually lifted and public places reopen. Decline in new infections does not mean the virus has been eradicated and therefore continued prevention and precautions are vital to avert a second wave of infections, said Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Medical Director, Hamad General Hospital.
He said many have the misconception that the strength of the COVID-19 has reduced and by neglecting the precautions, they are putting themselves at the risk of getting infected. “The virus has the same strength. It can cause the same level of harm to a person as before.
If a person gets infected he can be either asymptomatic, develop a mild condition, become sicker and get admitted to a hospital, or even die because of COVID-19. So the risk and danger of getting COVID-19 remains the same,” said Dr. Al Maslamani while talking to The Peninsula yesterday.
“The number of cases is falling in Qatar and we have succeeded in flattening the curve of COVID-19 because of the government instructions, preventive efforts and measures as well as awareness and cooperation of the community,” he added. “Unless we follow all precautionary measures, we may experience a second wave of the virus and see numbers increasing again.
There are already signs of this happening in other countries around the world,” he added. Dr. Al Maslamani highlighted the example of some countries — such as Australia, Hong Kong, and Germany — that are battling the second wave of COVID-19, because people failed to follow the precautionary measures fully.
“These countries have lockdown in certain areas because people there failed to take precautions when the COVID-19 related restrictions were lifted. For example, Australia began a six-week lockdown in Melbourne following a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
This decision was taken to prevent a second wave sweeping the country,” he said. Dr. Al Maslamani also hinted that Qatar would also have to close down specific locations in case of a COVID-19 resurgence. “
If an outbreak happens in an office, a mall or a school, we would close that place and quarantine the people to control the spread of the virus,” he said. Dr. Al Maslamani insisted that Qatar is heading towards a new normal, similar to some other countries where people have to live with the COVID-19.
Therefore, it is important for people to continue to take precautions. “Strict observation of social distancing, wearing masks and maintaining hand hygiene is essential to avoid a second wave of COVID-19. This is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
