Dr Jameela Al Ajmi, Hamad Medical Corporation’s executive director of corporate infection and prevention control, stated earlier this week that the recent increase in Covid cases is not concerning and described it as “marginal”. Speaking in a Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) video, Dr Al Ajmi said that this slight surge and the emergence of the Omricon variant of the virus should remind us that the pandemic is still not over.

In the video, Dr Al Ajmi emphasised the importance of safety measures such as maintaining hand hygiene, social distancing, and getting vaccinated whenever eligible. She also reiterated some of the current mask-wearing guidelines, such as:

• indoor mask-wearing
• wearing masks outdoors for some activities, including sporting events
• wearing masks in schools and universities

Similarly, the MOPH shared some guidelines on social media for the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup 2021. They also apply when attendees are heading to the matches, as they are required to keep their masks on while using public transport. The MOPH also recommends regularly using hand sanitiser and practising social distancing where possible when in transit. Mask-wearing is also mandatory at the stadium, even when seated. Plus, Ehteraz must be shown upon entry and children under 12 need to have a negative rapid antigen test. The tests are available at Al Khor, Al Thumama, Al Wajba, Leabaib, and Al Wakra health centres for QR 25 between 7 am and 10 pm. No appointment is necessary.