Qatar & COVID-19, Part 9: What Does December 2020 Hold for the Nation?

[To my readers:  I have not completed this post.  My duties at Qatar University College of Law demanded my time and attention.  But, I promise to complete and edit this post when I have time.]

WHO has created a timeline summarizing its actions in connection with the pandemic. 

While the pandemic ranged out of control in the US, two events in Qatar could have a deep impact on the pandemic in Qatar.  First, behaviors that aid the spread of the virus seem to be on the rise, especially during National Day celebrations over the December 18 week-end.  Second, Qatar has approved the use of the <> and <> vaccines.  Officials began vaccinating health care workers on <>. 

Dec. 1:  Qatar reported 168 new cases, with 150 community infections and 18 from travelers.  Infections total 139,001 with 2,457 active infections.  ICU, with 30 patients, had three new admissions. Officials have tested 1,116,081 people. A 67 year-old died, bringing the death toll to 238. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 55 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.  Till now 2,219 people have been referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks and 153 people for not following the limit of people inside a vehicle.

Authorities arrested 3 people who violated the requirements of the home quarantine.

Dr Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of the Communicable Diseases Center (CDC) of the Hamad Medical Corporation, said during “Al-Sabah Rabah” program on Al Rayyan television that four cases of reinfections were registered in Qatar and the gap between the first and second infections varied between 45 days to 87 days. The four cases did not show any symptoms during the first or second infections. She pointed out that more studies are needed to know the immune protection that a person infected with the virus acquires and to determine the exact period of persistence those antibodies have in the body.

A new test exists to detect the Covid-19 virus – antigen test - which takes 15 minutes and received approval recently. It has an accuracy rate of 97% and will be made available in relevant departments of HMC soon. The PCR examination has an accuracy rate of 100% but takes between 6-8 hours.

Hamad International Airport has become the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a 5-Star Covid-19 Airport Safety Rating by Skytrax. The audit evaluated how effectively COVID-19 policies are implemented at Qatar’s airport against the Skytrax COVID-19 safety rating standards.

Dec. 2: Qatar reported 255 new cases, with 206 community infections and 49 from travelers.  Infections total 139,256, with 2,504 active infections.  ICU, with 29 patients, had four new admissions. Officials have tested 1,120,706 people. A 57 year-old died, bringing the death toll to 239. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 100 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

Authorities arrested four people who violated the requirements of the home quarantine.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) has published literary and/or artistic works inspired by life in confinement due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the personal changes that have occurred as a result of the world in crisis.

Dec. 3:  Qatar reported 221 new cases, with 165 community infections and 56 from travelers.  Infections total 139,477, with 2,497 active infections.  ICU, with 29 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,125,668 people. The death toll stands at 239.

Ministry of Interior has referred 46 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

Dec. 4:  Qatar reported 166 new cases, with 116 community infections and 50 from travelers.  Infections total 139,643, with 2,532 active infections.  ICU, with 33 patients, had five new admissions. Officials have tested 1,129,685 people. The death toll stands at 239.

Ministry of Interior has referred 89 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks. Fourteen individuals were reported for violating maximum number of people in a vehicle.

Authorities arrested 5 people who violated home quarantine.

Dec. 5:  New cases dipped below 150 for the first time. Qatar reported 140 new cases, with 108 community infections and 32 from travelers.  Infections total 139,783, with 2,484 active infections.  ICU, with 36 patients, had five new admissions. Officials have tested 1,133,075 people. The death toll stands at 239.

Ministry of Interior has referred 55 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks. Till now 2,329 people have been referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks and 167 people for not following the limit of people inside a vehicle.

Authorities arrested 4 people who violated the requirements of the home quarantine.

Dec. 6:  Qatar reported 125 new cases, with 93 community infections and 32 from travelers.  Infections total 139,908, with 2,393 active infections.  ICU, with 33 patients, had one new admission. Officials have tested 1,136,425 people. The death toll stands at 239. Community infections dropped below 100 cases, but it would not last.

Ministry of Interior has referred 67 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

Ministry of Interior issues rules and guidelines to ensure a safe winter camping season.  Campers must adhere to precautionary measures, including vehicle capacity, the mask mandate, and social distancing.

Ministry of Public Health has urged the public to limit the time spent at shopping malls, as a precaution against COVID-19 pandemic. At present, shopping malls are supposed to limit their capacity to 50 percent, with food courts allowed to occupy only 30 percent of the capacity while allowing a maximum of five persons at a table. Leisure centres and children play areas remain closed. “Maintain minimum safe distance of 1.5 meters from others all the time. Limit the time you spend in the malls,” the Ministry said in one of its social media posts. People have also been urged to follow hand hygiene and wear masks during their entire visit to malls. Wearing a mask, having green Ehteraz status and body temperature below 38 Celsius are mandatory to enter a mall. The MoPH has also reminded the public of the precautionary measures to be followed to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission during social gatherings. At present, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors. Physical contact between individuals is not allowed including handshakes, hugging or kissing.

Local triathletes participated in an event, even though international stars did not participate after the triathlon's World Cup was cancelled because of the pandemic.  The event adhered to precautionary measures. 

The Public Relations and Communication Department at the Ministry of Culture and Sports has postponed the Doha International Book Fair in its 31st edition was due to the difficulties faced by publishing houses during the pandemic.

Katara hosted the 10th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival over five days.

Dec. 7:  Qatar reported 178 new cases, with 133 community infections and 45 from travelers.  Infections total 140,086, with 2,353 active infections.  ICU, with 30 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,140,455 people. The death toll remains at 239.  

Ministry of Interior has referred 80 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

Authorities arrested 7 people for violating home quarantine rules.

Qatar is now planning for a "complete normal” World Cup in 2022 after the rapid progress in producing vaccines for the coronavirus, the tournament CEO told The Associated Press on Sunday ahead of the European qualifying draw. Early in the pandemic that forced the cancelation of the European Championship and Olympics this year, Qatar was concerned about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East. Last week marked 10 years since Qatar won the right to host the World Cup.

Qatar will launch its latest completed World Cup stadium with the Amir Cup final, at which half of tickets will be reserved for fans who have recovered from coronavirus. "Anyone who enters the stadium must return either a negative Covid-19 test or a positive Covid-19 antibodies test," Abdul Wahab al-Musleh, Qatar's deputy chief medical officer, said in a statement issued by the QFA. "About 50 percent of the available seats will be allocated to people who have previously contracted the virus." Fans will be required to undergo tests at one of three locations where their ticket application will be linked to their national identity cards and phone number. Fans will then be eligible for a non-transferable ticket once they receive the required test result. Once inside, fans will be required to wear a mask, show their contact tracing app, and stay in their allocated seat.  Qatar has slowly been welcoming fans back to stadiums, permitting attendances of up to 30 percent in the top-flight Qatar Stars League.

The Amir Cup final will see favourites Al-Sadd, coached by Spain legend Xavi Hernandez, take on minnows Al-Arabi.

Dec. 8: Qatar reported 117 new cases, with 106 community infections and 11 from travelers.  Infections total 140,203, with 2,256 active infections.  ICU, with 28 patients, had two new admissions. Officials have tested 1,144,984 people. The death toll stands at 239. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 83 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Thirty-five individuals were reported for violating maximum number of people in a vehicle.

As part of the travel and return procedures, residents exiting the country can print ‘exceptional return permit’ instantly from the Ministry of Interior website as soon as their exit movement is registered. This facility is in force since November 29, 2020. This service is not available for residents who are already outside the country, or those who left the country before that date. They are still required to apply for an exceptional return permit through the Qatar Portal, the Ministry of Interior said on its official Twitter account.

Dec. 9:  Qatar reported 150 new cases, with 84 community infections and 66 from travelers.  Infections total 140,353, with 2,232 active infections.  ICU, with 27 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,149,684 people. A 78 year-old died, bringing the death toll to 240.  Community infections fell below 100 cases, but it would not last. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 111 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

The Ministry of Interior announced yesterday that Qatar Visa Centers abroad would gradually reopen in Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Local businessmen have welcomed the government decision to reopen the visa centres in major workforce exporting countries terming it a ‘great relief’ for companies at a time when the local market needs workers.

Dec. 10: Qatar reported 163 new cases, with 129 community infections and 34 from travelers.  Infections total 140,516, with 2,243 active infections.  ICU, with 24 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,154,919 people. The death toll stands at 240. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 70 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Thirty-five individuals were reported for violating maximum number of people in a vehicle.

Dec. 11:  Qatar reported 164 new cases, with 130 community infections and 34 from travelers.  Infections total 140,680, with 2,246 active infections.  ICU, with 25 patients, had one new admission. Officials have tested 1,159,766 people. The death toll stands at 240. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 54 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

Dec. 12:  Qatar reported 147 new cases, with 106 community infections and 41 from travelers.  Infections total 140,827, with 2,240 active infections.  ICU, with 24 patients, had one new admission. Officials have tested 1,163,120 people. The death toll stands at 240. 

Ministry of Interior (MoI) has referred 66 people to the Public Prosecution on December 12 for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Five individuals were reported for violating maximum number of people in a vehicle, which is specified as 4 including the driver, except for the members of the same family. Till now 2,860 people have been referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks and 242 people for not following the limit of people inside a vehicle.

Dec. 13:  Qatar reported 134 new cases, with 92 community infections and 42 from travelers.  Infections total 140,961, with 2,231 active infections.  ICU, with 24 patients, had one new admission. Officials have tested 1,167,017 people. One person died bringing death toll to 240. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 55 people to the Public Prosecution on December 13 for not wearing masks.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra made its first appearance on stage since the pandemic hit. Wearing face masks during their performance, 40 members of the orchestra came together in one stage playing for the audience with the same passion despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. Following the Ministry of Public Health’s guidelines, only 90 people were allowed to watch each of the two shows at the Qatar National Convention Centre Auditorium 3, all wearing face masks and observing social distance all throughout the show.

Dec. 14:  Qatar reported 160 new cases, with 133 community infections and 27 from travelers.  Infections total 141,121, with 2,161 active infections.  ICU, with 21 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,171,929 people. The death toll remains at 241. 

With infections rising around the world with the onset of winter, the Ministry of Public Health has reduced the number of countries on its "green list."  The revised list of low-risk countries, published on its website, has around 17 countries and is effective from December 18. People arriving from these countries can take advantage of more liberal quarantine policies. 

Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal has said that people will have to continue taking COVID-19 precautions even when vaccine is available in the country. “Receiving COVID-19 vaccines once they are available in Qatar will be important and effective. However this will not be enough alone and it is important that we continue to adhere COVID-19 preventive measures at all times,” said Dr. Al Khal in a Qatar National Day (QND) message.  He also cautioned people to follow precautionary measures during National Day celebrations.  

The Head of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at HMC, Dr. Einas Al Kuwari, called Qatar's handling of the pandemic a remarkable success.

Doha Film Institute’s first-ever drive-in cinema experience in Lusail will continue through April. It began offering drive-in cinema targeted at families during the pandemic.

Dec. 15: Qatar reported 151 new cases, with 125 community infections and 26 from travelers.  Infections total 141,272, with 2,112 active infections and 241 total deaths.  Two people were admitted to the ICU, bringing the total there to 22.

The Traffic Department issues rules for vehicles during the National Day celebrations.   The rules require, among other things, that passengers not exceed four in a vehicle, including the drivers, except for families. All the passengers must wear a face mask and none of them are allowed to get out of the windows.

Ministry of Interior has referred 87 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Ten individuals were reported for violating maximum number of people in a vehicle.

Dec. 16: Qatar reported 145 new cases, with 105 community infections and 40 from travelers.  Infections total 141,417, with 2,133 active infections.  ICU, with 19 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,180,038 people. An 84 year-old died bringing death toll to 242. 

Ministry of Interior has referred 93 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks.

Qatar Rail urged passengers to abide by coronavirus (Covid-19) precautions and arrive early at metro stations during Qatar National Day 2020, and also for the Amir Cup Final. “To avoid crowding, the customers can benefit from the metros journey pre-planning service through the Qatar Rail application or Doha Metro website and arrive at the station in advance of their planned departure time,” they said in a statement. In light of (COVID-19) guidelines, metro services are currently running at 30% capacity to enable social distancing. In preparation for the upcoming events, public access to stations will be arranged to avoid crowding at ticket vending machines, entry gates and train platforms. Additionally, Qatar Rail recommended purchasing prepaid Standard Travel cards through approved sales outlets such as Al Meera, Lulu, Carrefour, Jumbo Electronics, Family Food Centre and the "Talabat" application. Gold class cards are available through Gold Centers at all metro stations. These reusable cards provide a contactless payment service and help to limit touch points during the trip. customer can also recharge their card in advance of their journey, using their respective debit or credit cards via the website (qr.com.qa) or Qatar Rail application. On entering the station, customers will be required to show their "Ehteraz" health status and adhere to temperature checks. Doha Metro also reminded customers to adhere to social distancing rules by following the instructional stickers located throughout the stations.

The families of the health sector workers and participating bodies only will be allowed to attend the Qatar National Day parade on December 18 through special invitations in compliance with the exceptional precautionary measures.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment has announced new timing for visiting Al Khor Family Park. As per the new timing, the Park will receive visitors from 8am to 10pm throughout the week. The entrance to the park will be closed when the number of visitors reach 10,000 and after that no new visitors will be allowed inside.

Dec. 17:  Qatar reported 140 new cases, with 105 community infections and 35 from travelers.  Infections total 141,557, with 2,072 active infections and 242 total deaths.  Three people were admitted to the ICU, bringing the total there to 21. 

The Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari has reiterated the importance of following precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations.

Ministry of Public Health raised the maximum number of people allowed to attend weddings in open places to 120 people and indoor to 80 people.

Ministry of Interior has referred 61 people to the Public Prosecution on December 16 for not wearing masks.

Dec. 18:  Qatar reported 159 new cases, with 116 community infections and 43 from travelers.  Infections total 141,716, with 2,090 active infections and 242 total deaths.  Two people were admitted to the ICU, bringing the total there to 21. 

Qatar celebrated National Day with fireworks and parade.  While officials restricted attendance at the parade to limit the spread of the coronavirus, social media showed unmasked crowds at the subway station near the Corniche when the fireworks ended.  Others reported SUVs packed with unmasked people driving throughout Doha.  If so, Qatar could see a spike in new cases beginning on Dec. 23. 

Authorities arrested five people who violated the requirements of the home quarantine.

Dec. 19:  Qatar reported 142 new cases, with 110 community infections and 32 from travelers.  Infections total 141,858, with 2,094 active infections.  ICU, with 21 patients, had no new admissions. Officials have tested 1,192,295 people. A 60 year-old died bringing death toll to 243. 

Ministry of Interior (MoI) has referred 69 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures.

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) have demonstrated the effectiveness of medical face masks in helping to prevent respiratory infections like COVID-19 and strongly recommend their use by the public along with other preventive measures to help mitigate the spread of the disease. The research, which has been published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, was conducted by faculty from the college’s Institute for Population Health (IPH), which carried out a meta-analysis of previous studies on the efficacy of medical face mask use in community settings for preventing flu, flu-like illnesses and other respiratory infections such as SARS and the novel coronavirus. Dr. Mamtani said: “The evidence is quite clear that medical face masks should be worn by both healthy and sick individuals in order to reduce virus transmission. The effectiveness of medical face masks obviously depends on them being used correctly and we cannot overstate enough that face masks alone should not be relied upon; we must all continue to practice all preventive measures including physical distancing and rigorous hand hygiene to minimize the risk of both spreading COVID-19 and contracting it.”

Dec. 20:  Qatar reported 143 new cases, with 96 community infections and 47 from travelers.  Infections total 142,001, with 2,034 active infections and 243 total deaths.  On person was admitted to the ICU, bringing the total there to 22.

Ministry of Interior (MoI) has referred 170 people to the Public Prosecution on December 20 for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures.

Dec. 21:  Qatar reported 158 new cases, with 113 community infections and 45 from travelers.  Infections total 142,159, with 1,989 active infections and 243 total deaths.  Two people were admitted to the ICU, bringing the total there to 24. This is the first time active cases have fallen below 2,000 cases.

This week, and for the first time since June, the total number of active coronavirus cases in Qatar has gone below 2,000— a result of cross-community and governmental effort to maintain the virus and return to normality.  Not only that, but the number of reported daily cases has also been steadily decreasing, with the ministry reporting under 200 cases daily. In ten days, we will know whether non-compliant behavior during National Day causes a spike in cases as we saw during Ramadan beginning on May 5. 

Qatar's Ministry of Public Health has issued the approval and registration of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, which is one of the two vaccines MOPH has secured agreements to purchase. The Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Control in MOPH conducted a thorough review of the vaccine and the results of clinical studies conducted on a wide range of volunteers. Their review showed that the vaccine is safe and effective in accordance with international standards.

The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccines arrived into Doha. Qatar expects to vaccinate all citizens and residents in 2021 as additional supplies become available. For now, officials will vaccinate people at risk of complications or death from the disease.

Dr. Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, Co-Chair for the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee and Director of Health Protection and Communicable Diseases at MoPH, and Dr. Mariam Abdul Malik, Managing Director of Primary Health Care Corporation explained that people will receive an SMS message inviting them to one of seven health centers to receive the vaccine. In the first phase of vaccination, from December 23 to January 31, health officials will give preference to people over 70 years old, adults in chronic care and home care facilities, healthcare personnel most at risk of infection and people over 16 years of age with severe chronic diseases. The participating health centers are:

• Al Wajba Health Centre
• Leabaib Health Center
• Al Ruwais Health Center
• Umm Slal Health Center
• Rawdat Al Khail Health Center
• Al Thumama Health Center
• Muaither Health Center

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today launched a Covid-19 vaccine microsite, following its decision to approve the emergency use authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine. The new microsite contains all information regarding the vaccine and also explains how vaccines work.

Prof. Laith Abu-Raddad, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Qatar Foundation partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) describes vaccines as "one of human civilization’s greatest medical achievements – there is no medical intervention that has had more or even as much impact on improving health." He blames social media for perpetuating unreasonable fears about vaccines.

When asked if Prof. Abu-Raddad would be taking the vaccine himself, “Absolutely yes – with no hesitation. I have two choices; one is taking a vaccine that has passed clinical trials with no safety concerns and is very likely to protect me. The other choice is staying unvaccinated and voluntarily increasing my risk to get seriously ill, possibly suffer from long-term consequences of the disease, and perhaps even die. The rational choice is to take the vaccine,” he said.
Prof. Abu-Raddad believes the choice to be vaccinated or not is a personal one. However, he adds: “This is beyond just a personal choice for the simple reason that it has direct consequences on public health. People who don’t get vaccinated need to fully realize the negative consequences their decision can have on vulnerable members of their communities. Refusing the vaccine will not allow us to develop herd immunity, causing more potentially preventable deaths.”

Public health experts say that at least 70 percent of any community must get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine to achieve an acceptable level of herd immunity to protect its members.

Twenty-eight hotels extend their hotel quarantine packages for people coming from countries which are not in the low-risk list till February 15, 2021.

Qatar Airways Holidays has extended its popular ‘Travel Bubble Holidays’ packages, between Qatar and the Maldives until February 5.

Ministry of Interior has referred 100 people to the Public Prosecution on December 21 for not wearing masks, which is mandatory as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Till now 3,495 people have been referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks and 252 people for not following the limit of people inside a vehicle, which is specified as 4 including the driver, except for the members of the same family.

Dec. 23:

Dec. 24

What do we know about the mutated virus that showed up in England?  When researchers took a close look at its genome, they were struck by the relatively large number of mutations — 23, all told — that it had acquired. Most mutations that arise in the coronavirus are either harmful to the virus or have no effect one way or another. But a number of the mutations in B.1.1.7 looked as if they could potentially affect how the virus spread. The epidemiological evidence gathered so far from England does seem to suggest that this variant is very good at spreading. In places where it has become more common, the overall number of coronavirus cases is spiking. Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, estimates that the variant has an increased transmission rate of 50 to 70 percent compared with other variants in the United Kingdom. Some scientists have raised the possibility that the increase in transmission is at least partly the result of how it infects children. Normally, children are less likely than teenagers or adults to get infected or pass on the virus. But the new variant may make children “as equally susceptible as adults,” said Wendy Barclay, government adviser and virologist at Imperial College London. To confirm that the variant truly is more contagious, researchers are now running laboratory experiments on it, observing up close how it infects cells.