By Faizal Mooza/South African ambassador to Qatar

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has announced a further 2 weeks lockdown to the initial 21 days which started on the 26th March 2020. South Africans will now be on total lockdown until the end of April 2020.
Qatar has done a remarkable job of flattening the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is evident in the slowing of the rate of infections seen in the last 3 days. The fact that it focused its health infrastructure towards the fight against the disease is very commendable. The very decisive action taken by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management lead by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in the early days of Covid-19 played a massive role in preventing a catastrophe of biblical proportions.
The Industrial Area, the most densely populated area, was given priority and certain sections were even closed off. All shops and businesses and schools were closed. All public gatherings were prohibited and parks were closed. Even mosques and churches were prohibited from having their prayer services.
In my view this is exactly what was needed to fight this pandemic and we see in countries like China where their drastic measures are now bearing fruit and a sense of normality is beginning to return to Wuhan, which a few weeks ago was the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
On the other side, we see countries in Europe and America who’s response was rather delayed now bearing the brunt of Covid-19. The fact that we are today seeing some of those areas in the Industrial Area being opened again is testimony to the fact that the steps taken are working.
In order to flatten the curve you have to limit people’s movement and I believe that the many restrictions placed and the many proactive steps taken by the government would see this pandemic under control sooner than later. Later means more deaths.
I urge all South Africans, all Africans, all expats and even all Qataris to adhere to the government regulations. It’s in all our best interest in order to arrest the Covid-19 pandemic.
Let us ensure social distancing, let us wash our hands with soap and water and sanitiser as often as we can and let us protect ourselves by wearing protective gear if we must go out. The best remedy and protection for everybody in my humble view is STAY AT HOME.