In today’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced that Qatar recorded 1648 new cases, 4451 new recoveries, and two deaths.

In the last 24 hours, 27 new patients were admitted to intensive care due to COVID-19. With these, the total number of cases currently in intensive care has reached 232.

According to the MOPH, the new cases are due to expatriate workers who were infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected. This is in addition to new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions.

The new cases have been identified after conducting investigations by the research and investigation teams of the Ministry that contributed to the early detection of cases.

The Ministry underlined that the large increase in the number of recoveries has been due to the application of the latest international recommendations regarding criteria for recovering from COVID-19 infection, approved by MOPH.

According to the new protocol, most patients with COVID-19 in Qatar will be discharged from healthcare facilities fourteen days after their first positive swab.

The Ministry said that COVID-19 cases have also risen among citizens and residents due to contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings.

The Ministry affirmed that the new cases have been subjected to complete isolation in different medical facilities across the country. The infected individuals are being given the necessary healthcare, according to their health status.

The rise in the number of positive cases, recently, has been linked to family gatherings, visits, sharing meals together with relatives and extended families. People's lack of adherence to preventive measures recommended by the concerned authorities, the most important of which is staying at home and maintaining social distance, is also one of the reasons.

Regarding the two new deaths, MOPH said the two individuals, aged 53 and 77 years old, had both received the necessary treatment in intensive care.

The Ministry extended its sincere condolences and great sympathy to the families of the deceased.

Furthermore, the Ministry underlined that Qatar is still in the peak phase of the virus outbreak and therefore it is most important to adhere to the preventive measures and social measures recommended.

The Ministry also stresses the importance for the elderly or those suffering from chronic diseases and their family members to follow strict measures to reduce the chances of infection, including refraining from social visits.

Individuals who display symptoms of COVID-19 should either quickly contact the 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centers for testing. This is important to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment and care.

The four main testing centers are:

- Muaither Health Centre

- Rawdat Al Khalil Health Centre

- Um Slal Health Centre

- Al Gharafa Health Centre

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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Source: MOPH