MoPH Calls on Qatar Community to Adhere to COVID-19 Preventive Measures

MoPH Advisory on New COVID-19 Measures in Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has called on members of the community to adhere to the new preventive measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in implementation of todays Cabinets decision on the mandatory wearing of face masks in all closed public spaces.

Read also: Qatar Makes Masks Mandatory Again in Closed Public Places from July 7

The Ministry explained that following todays Cabinets announcement, face masks are now mandatory for all individuals aged six years of age and above in closed public spaces. This includes in healthcare facilities, workplace, public transport, mosques, gyms, malls, shops, and cinemas in addition to other closed public places.

With the number of new daily COVID-19 cases in Qatar rising in recent weeks, the Ministry stressed the need for people to adhere to the new measures related to the wearing of face masks. The Ministry said that face masks, when worn properly by everyone, are an effective tool to prevent virus transmission.

The Ministry called on members of the community to play their part in suppressing the current rise in COVID-19 by: Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 with all doses for which you are eligible, including getting the booster dose as they proved to be very safe and effective; Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizers; Avoiding physical contact when greeting others, including abstaining from shaking hands and kissing; Following cough etiquette and using your sleeve to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing or using tissue paper and dispose of it appropriately; Avoiding gathering in crowded and poorly ventilated places as much as possible; Downloading the Ehteraz application and showing green status to enter any public closed indoor areas.

The Ministry said it is important that members of the community continue to receive all the vaccine doses for which they are eligible. More than 1.7 million people in Qatar have received a booster dose, and anyone aged 12 years and above who had their second dose more than six months ago is eligible for a booster dose. A fourth vaccine dose is also available for individuals 50 years of age and older and those with chronic diseases that increase their risk for severe COVID-19 infection, regardless of their age. The fourth dose is offered to these vulnerable individuals after four months from their booster dose (third dose) or COVID-19 infection.

The Ministry said that individuals who do not receive the booster dose, or significantly delay receiving it, will be less protected and more at risk of severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. With more than 6.5 million vaccine doses administered in Qatar, and 12 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered globally, they have proved to be highly effective in preventing severe disease and death from Covid-19 in addition to being very safe.

Source: QNA