Cairo: A prominent Qatari medical professional has warned against a spike in the novel coronavirus cases, citing a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 patients at intensive care units (ICUs). He said that the country could consider a full lockdown.
“Last February, there were 53 ICU cases. Now there are more than 300 cases. This is a difficult comparison,” Dr Ahmed Al Mohammed, the acting head of the ICU department at the Hamad Medical Foundation, said. “Even at the peak of the first wave [of the pandemic], figures were not that high,” he told Qatar television.
He also cited an increase among children testing positive for COVID-19, but did not give specific figures.
He blamed lack of complying with health precautions for the alarming rates. “The situation is open. Stricter precautions must be taken, including a total lockdown for two or three weeks. This will make a big difference in the infection numbers,” he added.
“Total lockdown is the best way to stop the spread of the virus. As long as people get together, attend events and make social visits, the virus will spread at a quicker pace, especially that the British strain is quickly transmissible,” Dr Al Mohammed said.
Qatar so far has recorded a tally of 178,464 virus cases and 286 fatalities.
