Dr. Yousef Al Maslamani, Medical Director, Hamad General Hospital
As the country is halfway through phase one of lifting COVID-19 restrictions, it is important to keep taking precautions against the spread of virus to move to the next phase, said Dr. Yousef Al Maslamani, Medical Director, Hamad General Hospital (HGH). “If (precautions) are not taken it will be difficult to move to the next level of lifting restrictions,” he told The Peninsula.
“We have started to see a decrease in new cases and high number of people are recovering from COVID-19, yet this is a critical phase and it is essential that we adhere to preventive measures strictly,” said Dr. Al Maslamani.
“We all have a role to play, everyone should take responsibility and it will help us move from one phase to the other,” he added. Dr. Al Maslamani also emphasised that it is every individuals’ right that the places they visit apply COVID-19 preventive measures including checking visitors’ health status on the virus-tracing mobile app, Ehteraz; checking body temperature; use of face masks; and adhering to social distance.
He highlighted that precautionary measures remain in force throughout the four phases of lifting restrictions.
“Protect yourself, protect our family and protect the community from COVID-19,” he added.
“Some measures might have to continue to be in force for the foreseeable future. Special provisions are made for groups most at risk of and vulnerable to infection to ensure they are protected, and that their essential needs are met. It is important that people with chronic diseases and elderly are protected,” said Dr. Al Maslamani.
The COVID-19 Qatar National Response Plan has set clear conditions through the evidence-based, gradual and controlled lifting of restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan to gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions aims to restore normal life while continuing to protect people, society and economy of the country. Restrictions will be lifted in four phases in accordance with a set timetable.
The Ministry of Public Health continues to track and trace every COVID-19 case in the community.
“We are monitoring, we have introduced the most efficient ways to protect people. We will provide medical care to infected patients. But it is essential that everyone take responsibility at individual level and curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Al Maslamani.
The first phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions began on June 15, it will be followed by a second phase from July 1.
