Strict travel policy delayed Delta entry into Qatar: Dr. Al Khal

With many people returning to Qatar in the next three weeks following summer vacation there is a real risk that COVID-19 cases could increase during this time, particularly with the highly infectious Delta strain circulating in Qatar and many countries around the world. 

“Considering this potential risk presented by returning travellers, it is risky to move to the full Phase 4,” said Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation.  However, he said, the changes coming into effect from today will allow the easing of a set of restrictions throughout August. Dr. Khal in an interview, posted on Twitter account of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), talked about easing of restrictions in the country, impact of Delta strain on COVID-19 rates and about the progress of the national vaccination program.