Newspapers: Qatar Continues Efforts to Confront COVID-19 Epidemic

Doha, April 11 (QNA) - The Qatari newspapers have confirmed on Saturday that the State of Qatar is continuing its determined efforts to confront the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, as it has stepped up its practical steps on the ground in more than one direction to mobilize and unify efforts to eliminate it. In their editorials, the newspapers indicated that the world is accustomed to Qatar's openness, joint action, and coordination of efforts, as it does not forget its duties towards states not only sisterly and friendly but also all countries facing crises. Al-Raya noted that Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) increased the capacity of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital to 267 beds to support its capabilities in providing high-quality medical care after it was recently designated as a treatment facility for people infected with coronavirus (COVID-19), within the distinguished efforts of the State of Qatar to confront the virus. The number of beds in the hospital has increased from 118 to 267 beds in a short period, as hospital teams have expanded the specialized facility to enhance its capabilities to treat patients with coronavirus while the medical staff received adequate training to treat these cases. It stressed that Qatar continues with great determination to confront this disease and has embarked on a series of precautionary and remedial measures to keep matters under control, which is what it has succeeded in. The daily added that the designation of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital as a hospital for COVID-19 enables HMC to provide high-quality care to the majority of patients infected with the virus in one facility. It further explained that in case of necessity, HMC can increase the number of beds in the hospital up to 560 beds, adding that the 31-bed emergency department has been moved to a tent equipped with a double capacity of 65 beds a week ago. A field hospital is being constructed, which will provide 274 additional beds for the hospital to increase its capacity further, the newspaper said. The capacity in intensive care has also been increased from 16 beds to 50 beds, it pointed out. The concerned teams have worked hard over the past few weeks to ensure that all necessary changes are made to enable the hospital to play this vital role in treating COVID-19 patients of all nationalities in Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital. Al-Raya emphasized that Qatar is continuing its determined efforts to confront the COVID-19 epidemic, as it stepped up its practical steps on the ground in more than one direction to mobilize and unify efforts to eliminate it until Qatar returns free of disease. The paper hailed HMC and the Ministry of Public Health professionalism and flexibility in dealing with the COVID-19 file through the rapid transformation of Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital into a treatment facility for COVID-19 patients, which is an example of the proactive approach in the health care sector in the face of this epidemic. The paper added that HMC's decision aimed at providing high-quality care for these patients in an integrated facility, adding that the medical sector represents the spearhead in the national battle against COVID-19, as situations have proven that it deals professionally and with high flexibility against the COVID-19 disease, keeping the situation under control. Al-Watan newspaper said that the State of Qatar received international admiration, as it adopts a distinct approach in its policies towards vital priority issues, foremost of which is the issue of ensuring public health for society, in light of the challenge facing the entire world today, represented in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 epidemic. The daily added that the observers repeatedly praised the effectiveness of the national plan that the State of Qatar has put in place to secure public health and achieve community safety, which is currently continuing in full coordination with Qatar's integrated efforts to meet this challenge. The newspaper stressed the importance of following the guidelines and directives of the Ministry of Public Health to further educate citizens and residents on how to work to assist the state's efforts to contain this deadly epidemic. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Public Health called on all members of society to stay at home and not going out except in cases of necessity and total care to implement preventive measures and maintain social separation and a safe distance from others to reduce their risk of infection with the virus. Al-Watan renewed its praise for the integrated items in the public health plan that would contribute effectively to protecting society from all health risks. Al-Sharq newspaper pointed to the World Health Organization's warning of a deadly return of COVID-19 in the event of rushing to lift and alleviate the current procedures without adequate study, sounded the alarm at the global level, and stressed the importance of solidarity among all countries to confront this epidemic. The newspaper stressed that combating the virus requires quick and serious action by international organizations and various countries of the world, where this solidarity approach has become imperative, not optional, which is proven by the State of Qatar since the beginning of the virus outbreak in the world, as it has cooperated and solidified with all countries and international institutions. Also, Qatar sent aid to the countries most affected by the virus, such as China, Iran, Italy, Palestine, and other countries. Qatar also is coordinating efforts with international bodies, exchanging experiences, and benefiting from various experiences within the framework of combating the epidemic. Al-Sharq continued Qatar has sent tons of medical aid to many countries, which confirms its efforts and positive and active role, both at the regional or global level, in combating the epidemic and its repercussions. The daily pointed out that COVID-19 has become the common enemy of all mankind, the borders have not been able to stop it, and from this standpoint, global solidarity is now irreplaceable, and this global cooperation has been repeatedly requested by Qatar on various international platforms, out of its firm conviction of the importance of collective action in the face of crises, epidemics, and threats to the lives of people everywhere in the world. Al-Sharq noted that the world is accustomed to the State of Qatar's openness, joint action, and coordination of efforts, as it does not forget its duties towards not only friendly countries, but also all countries facing crises. It stressed that Qatar will continue to play its vital role in activating cooperation in these difficult circumstances, as it will spare no effort in standing next to the countries of the world by sending any urgent assistance, based on its belief in humanitarian work, the nobility of goals, and common destiny in international relations framework. (QNA)