Sharp decline in active COVID-19 cases

THERE was a sharp drop in active COVID-19 cases in Qatar on Thursday with the recovery rate continuing to rise.

A total of 894 people tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday with 2,632 more people recovering from the disease, bringing the total number of people recovered from the disease in Qatar to 86,597.

However, three people aged 57, 58 and 67 succumbed to the virus, bringing the death toll in the country to 118.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Qatar declined to 11,182 on Thursday from 12,923 a day before.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said all new cases have been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary healthcare according to their health status.

The ministry said the measures to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have succeeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus. The number of new daily cases and hospital admissions has gradually declined over the past few weeks, it added.

“We are seeing a rise in the number of deaths in recent weeks and this is due to the people who were infected at the peak of the virus several weeks ago,” the ministry said.

“There has been an increase in cases among families. This is of great concern as this population group includes the highest percentage of the elderly and people with chronic conditions. Now more than ever, we must be careful and protect the most vulnerable.”