* 70% of people over 16 get at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine * Total Covid-19 recoveries rise to 218,435
 
Qatar's national vaccination programme reached another milestone as 70% of people aged above 16 have received at least one dose of the coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine, according to data published by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Monday.
Information available on the MoPH website shows 56.2% of people aged above 16 have received both doses of the vaccine.
As for other age groups, 88.6% of people above 40 years have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 78.4% both doses, while 95.3% of people above 60 years have received at least one dose and 89.8%, both doses.
A total of 2,898,814 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Qatar since the start of the programme, with 12,491 doses given in the past 24 hours.
The data also show that 1,625,178 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine so far while 1,273,636 have got both doses.
Meanwhile, the MoPH yesterday reported 88 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 among the community and 42 among travellers, Qatar News Agency reported.
The ministry also recorded 191 recoveries from the coronavirus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries in Qatar to 218,435.
"In recent weeks the combined impact of Covid-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, and the overwhelming support of the community, has resulted in a consistent reduction in the number of new daily infections in the country," the MoPH said in a statement. "However, it is still important to be cautious as the second wave is not yet over and there are still two highly contagious and highly virulent strains of the virus that are actively circulating in the community."
The second phase of the gradual lifting of precautionary restrictions began on June 18 and is part of a four-stage plan to be implemented over the coming months.
The date of implementation and the duration of each phase will depend on the epidemic indicators, which rely to a great extent on the degree of compliance of community members with the current measures, restrictions and guidance by the government.
It is important during the current period that all members of society, including those who have received the vaccination, continue to wear masks as recommended and continue to adhere to social distancing, the MoPH stressed.
"With Covid-19 still a threat to our health here in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures," the ministry advised.
These are adherence to physical distancing; avoiding close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where people congregate; wearing a face mask; and washing hands regularly.
People should take the Covid-19 vaccine at the earliest opportunity when their turn comes, the MoPH added.
Anyone suffering from Covid-19 symptoms should contact the 16000 helpline immediately.
This is important as the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it.
One can visit the MoPH website for regular updates and new information.
 
 
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