Unless people follow all precautionary measures, the country may experience a second wave of the virus and see numbers increasing as there are already signs of this happening in other countries around the world, senior experts at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have cautioned.

In a social media campaign HMC experts have said that while the restrictions of COVID-19 are gradually being lifted in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures.

“We reached a very good stage now working together. Now, there is a greater responsibility on the public to make sure that the numbers come even lower and to stop a second wave if it happens,” said Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital.

He has insisted that people should wear masks and maintain social distancing while meeting friends and with colleagues at work place.

“Never leave home unless it is necessary, if you have to go out, wear a mask all the time. When you are outside, when you sit with colleagues or a friend, you should wear a mask and be away from them at least two and a half metres and never touch anybody,” said Dr. Al Maslamani.

Dr. Andrew Martin, Senior Consultant, HMC, has stressed the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures, especially wearing a face mask in public helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus only if it is worn properly, covering both nose and mouth.

“Wearing masks is scientifically proven to reduce the spread of coronavirus. We wear masks here because it means you don’t want to affect your friends, your family, and your colleagues. It’s important to wear masks. There are different types of masks you can wear,” said Dr. Martin.

In a video message he has explained that masks trap droplets that are released when the person wearing the mask sneezes, coughs or talks. The virus gets caught in the mask and it doesn’t spread to other people. “That’s simply how it works,” said Dr. Andrew.
Dr. Jameela Alajmi, Executive Director, Corporate Infection Prevention and Control at HMC stresses the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures, as the country is in the final phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions.

“We are in the last phase of gradual lifting of restrictions in against the COVID-19. This doesn’t mean that we should not just continue to follow the preventive measures against this virus. Unfortunately, the virus there spread everywhere. Some countries have started to re-apply the safety measures because the number of infected cases are increasing. Some countries are still experiencing high number of cases and deaths. So we need to protect ourselves,” said Dr. Alajmi.

“Also we need to be aware that at the moment there is not any effective treatment. Yes, we have some vaccine in phase three clinical trial and we hope to have this vaccine in future. But this will not happen today or tomorrow. So to prevent the disease, all members of society should follow safety measures and stay at home if you are sick,” she said.