On 4 February, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recorded 407 new cases of COVID-19 and 172 recoveries in 24 hours, which brings the total number of recovered cases to 146,474. 

Out of the 407 new cases, 375 are community cases and 32 are travellers returning from abroad.

The total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 152, 898. The number of active cases are 6,175. Till date, 249 people succumbed to the coronavirus in Qatar – which is one of the lowest in the world. 

In the last 24 hours, there have been 66 cases of hospital admissions, which brings the total number of patients in hospitals to 528; out of which, five were admitted to the ICU. 

When compared with the statistics in December 2020, Qatar has witnessed a sudden surge in the number of new daily infections since January 2021. 

This recent increase in the number of people being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is a cause of concern. MoPH in a statement said that the next few weeks would be crucial in determining if these are the signs of a potential second wave. 

To prevent a second wave from gaining momentum, MoPH urged people to be extra careful and adhere to preventive measures. If the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions continue at this rate, additional restrictions would be put in place to curb the spread of the virus. 

How to stay safe?

Everyone has an important role to play in preventing the virus from spreading by following the below-listed precautionary measures:

• Adhering to physical distancing

• Wearing a face mask at all times 

• Washing hands regularly 

• Avoiding close contact with others

• Refraining from gatherings in crowded places and confined closed spaces

If you feel you are sick or you have contracted COVID-19, get in touch with health care authorities immediately. You can use the helpline number: 16000 to reach out for medical care. 

It is important to seek medical assistance as it would make it easier to receive the right treatment and recover from it early.