Doha, 27 February, 2020: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has requested the public adhere to precautionary measures and preventive procedures established to facilitate the early detection of suspected cases of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The directive is being provided following confirmed cases in a number of neighboring countries.
The MoPH has confirmed it is taking all necessary measures to protect the health of citizens, with advanced monitoring and other appropriate measures having been implemented at all borders. All passengers arriving at the airport from countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 are being referred to the airport clinic for additional screening and all suspected cases are being transferred to Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Communicable Disease Center for a fourteen day quarantine/isolation period. Intensive health awareness public education programs have also been implemented across the country.
The MoPH is stressing the importance of adherence to general hygiene measures that can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including regular handwashing with soap and water, or antiseptic, especially after coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. The MoPH is also recommending avoiding the traditional nose-to-nose greeting as a precaution to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
To date, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Qatar. Qatar is taking all appropriate measures to protect the public and the MoPH is working closely with all local and international bodies to monitor the situation and provide up-to-date guidance.
The MoPH has created a website (
www.moph.gov.qa) to provide the public with a trusted source of information related to COVID-19. Information on the website is available in Arabic, English, Hindi, Chinese, French, and Malayalam.
