* MoPH reports total Covid recoveries increase to 224,838
 
 
Leading healthcare officials have cautioned Qatar residents about the Delta variant of the coronavirus (Covid-19) and urged those who are not yet vaccinated to get it done at the earliest.
In a video message shared on the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) social media channels, Dr Yousef al-Maslamani, medical director of Hamad General Hospital, reiterated that the Delta variant is now in Qatar, like most countries around the world.
"This variant is very contagious and spreads fast. We have vaccines which are very safe and highly effective against such variants,” he warned. “Therefore, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated. Your support is important, and it makes us all safe if everyone gets vaccinated at the earliest.”
Dr Jameela al-Ajmi, executive director of Corporate Infection Control and Prevention at Hamad Medical Corporation, has highlighted the importance of continuing to follow Covid-19 precautionary measures.
“Though several Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted gradually in the country, we must not be complacent against the virus,” she said. “Everyone should follow all the Covid protocols, as Covid-19 is still a threat to our life and prevalent across the world.”
“I urge everyone to adhere to the precautionary measures against the pandemic,” she added.
Meanwhile, the MoPH has reported 148 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus (Covid-19) among the community and 69 among travelers, according to QNA.
The MoPH recorded 135 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 224,838.
As per National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Data:
* 3,951,518 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the programme.
* 9,247 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the past 24 hours.
* 88.5% of the eligible population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine.
* 98.6% of those aged over 60 (the most vulnerable population group) have been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 93.9% have received both doses.
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.
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 third phase of the gradual lifting of precautionary restrictions began on July 9, 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 pandemic indicators which depend to a great extent on the degree of compliance of the 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.
With Covid-19 still a health threat in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures:
* Adherence to physical distancing.
* Avoiding close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate.
* Wearing a face mask.
* Washing hands regularly.
* People should take the Covid-19 vaccine at the earliest opportunity when their turn comes.
Anyone suffering from Covid-19 symptoms should contact 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 may visit the MoPH website for regular updates and new information.
 
 
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