Qatar has been working above and beyond to fight the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit its spread among the population.

During the press conference, held by Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on May 14, 2020, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) said that the number of confirmed cases in the State of Qatar with COVID-19 has reached 28,272, and 1,733 cases were recorded during the past 24 hours, which is the highest number since the beginning of the pandemic. Slackness from the community members in applying social distancing during the holy month of Ramadan has led to a 50% increase in the number of positive cases.

“We have not reached the peak yet, but we have entered the peak period”, he added.

COVID-19 updates:

- A significant increase in the number of examinations reflects an increase in the capacity of the central laboratories, as the number of daily checks reached more than 7,400 samples.

- 417 people have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since the beginning of the pandemic.

- There were 109 cases in ICU, and the number rose to 138 this week. Between 11-15 cases were admitted to the daycare center daily for treatment. The age group most likely to enter ICU is between 40-49 years old.

- The age group most diagnosed with Infection is between 25-34 years, and it represents 36.7%.

- Young people are also at risk of severe COVID-19.

- Many patients are making full recovery from COVID-19 every day, and more than 3,000 patients have now fully recovered from the virus.

Key messages of the Ministry of Public Health's press conference on COVID-19 #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/JYEdbSgvqe

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) May 14, 2020

Currently, it is particularly important that people strictly follow preventive, physical, and social distancing measures. During Ramadan and Eid, it is vital that people stay at home and only go out when it is necessary.

The evidence around the world has shown that while the virus can affect people of all ages and health status, the elderly are much more likely to experience severe symptoms, Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, National Lead for Healthy aging in Qatar, Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, said during the press conference.

To protect the elderly population, the doctors are delivering consultation virtually, via video and telephone systems.

For several weeks now, staff from the Geriatric and Long-Term Care Department call people aged 60 years and above and advises on how to stay safe during this period. Moreover, SMS with safety messages are being sent out regularly.

In addition, there is an Elderly Day Care Unit in Rumailah Hospital to treat non-life threatening conditions.

Qatar has made it mandatory for all citizens and residents to wear a face mask when stepping out of their homes, for any reason.

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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