Senior experts at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have cautioned the citizens and residents in the state to be cautious about the spread of the novel coronavirus, as there are already signs of this happening in other countries around the world.

In a social media campaign HMC experts have said that while the restrictions of COVID-19 are gradually being lifted in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures.

Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital said, “We reached a very good stage now working together. Now, there is a greater responsibility on the public to make sure that the numbers come even lower and to stop a second wave if it happens,”

He has insisted that people should wear masks and maintain social distancing while meeting friends and with colleagues at the workplace. 

“Never leave home unless it is necessary if you have to go out, wear a mask all the time. When you are outside when you sit with colleagues or a friend, you should wear a mask and be away from them at least two and a half meters and never touch anybody,” said Dr. Al Maslamani.

Dr. Andrew Martin, Senior Consultant, HMC, has stressed the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures, especially wearing a face mask in public that helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus only if it is worn properly, covering both nose and mouth.

“Wearing masks is scientifically proven to reduce the spread of coronavirus. We wear masks here because it means you don’t want to affect your friends, your family, and your colleagues. It’s important to wear masks. There are different types of masks you can wear,” said Dr. Martin.

 In a video message, he has explained that masks trap droplets that are released when the person wearing the mask sneezes, coughs or talks. The virus gets caught in the mask and it doesn’t spread to other people. “That’s simply how it works,” said Dr. Andrew. 

د الدرو مارتن
طبيب استشاري اول
مؤسسة حمد الطبية

ينوه بضرورة الالتزام بتدابير الوقاية الأساسية من فيروس كورونا (كوفيد-19)خلال هذه المرحلة

Dr. Andrew Martin
Senior Consultant- HMC

Stresses the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures during this period. pic.twitter.com/YyQGqqPWn1

— مؤسسة حمد الطبية (@HMC_Qatar) August 15, 2020

Dr. Jameela Alajmi, Executive Director, Corporate Infection Prevention and Control at HMC stresses the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures, as the country is in the final phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions.

“We are in the last phase of gradual lifting of restrictions against the COVID-19. This doesn’t mean that we should not just continue to follow the preventive measures against this virus. Unfortunately, the virus there spread everywhere. Some countries have started to re-apply the safety measures because the number of infected cases is increasing. Some countries are still experiencing a high number of cases and deaths. So we need to protect ourselves,” said Dr. Alajmi.

Dr. Jameela Alajmi
Executive Director Corprate Infection Prevention and Control at HMC

Stresses the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures during this period.

#YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/pCMfviyz3y

— مؤسسة حمد الطبية (@HMC_Qatar) August 15, 2020

“Also we need to be aware that at the moment there is not an effective treatment. Yes, we have some vaccine in phase three clinical trial and we hope to have this vaccine in the future. But this will not happen today or tomorrow. So to prevent the disease, all members of society should follow safety measures and stay at home if you are sick,” she said. 

Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, and the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

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

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Source: The Peninsula

 Cover Image Credit: Shutterstock Images