* Eid is traditionally a time to socialise, but this year must be different
* Throughout the last few months, the majority of citizens and residents of Qatar have responded magnificently
* I ask you to please continue following social and physical distancing measures to help us get through this challenging time


HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari has stressed the importance of staying at home during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr and following the recommended measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In a message to the public, HE Dr al-Kuwari said: "Throughout this month, the number of new cases has gradually risen and we are now entering the peak stage of Covid-19 in Qatar. With greater numbers of people testing positive for the virus, it is now as important as ever for people to follow preventive measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19."

"Eid is traditionally a time of year when we socialise and celebrate with family and friends, but this year must be different. This Eid, it is really important that you stay at home and only go out when it is absolutely necessary," she said. "We all have a role to play in successfully overcoming this pandemic and, throughout the last few months, the majority of citizens and residents of Qatar have responded magnificently.

"It is especially tempting during Eid to visit friends and family, but I ask you to please continue following social and physical distancing measures to help us get through this challenging time."

HE the Minister of Public Health's message comes at a time when approximately 15 Covid-19 patients a day are being admitted to Intensive Care Units at Hamad Medical Corporation.

Despite the majority of people with Covid-19 in Qatar experiencing only mild symptoms, a small number of people develop severe symptoms from the virus and require admission to an Intensive Care Unit. These people are in a critical condition as a result of contracting Covid-19 and require comprehensive medical support in order to save their lives.

HE Dr al-Kuwari said, "The evidence from around the world has shown that while the virus can affect people of all ages and health status, the elderly and those people with chronic medical conditions are much more likely to experience severe symptoms. For this reason, it is especially important that we all play our part in protecting these vulnerable groups of our population and the best way in which you can do this is to stay at home as much as possible.

"If you are young and healthy, you are not considered to be at high risk of serious complications from Covid-19, but you are just as likely as everyone else to catch the virus and then transfer it to vulnerable friends and family."


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