Al-Watan, The Peninsula Hail Cabinet's Decisions on Gradual Lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions

Doha, August 05 (QNA) - In their editorials on Thursday, Al-Watan and The Peninsula newspapers hailed the strategy followed by the State of Qatar against Covid-19 pandemic, and the careful measures adopted by the State, in order to allow normal life to resume, taking into account some of the necessary precautionary measures to ensure that the virus does not spread again. The newspaper underlined the Cabinet's regular meeting, held yesterday and chaired by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, during which a set of measures have been taken regarding the plan to gradually lift the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic. In its editorial, Al-Watan said that these measures affirm the keenness to ensure the health and safety of all members of society, noting that positive results of the imposed restrictions, the increasing pace of Covid-19 vaccination, unparalleled support by the public, have all led to a reduction in daily infection rates during the past weeks. It pointed out that despite the decrease in daily infection rates, the war against this pandemic is not over yet, especially with the outbreak of two mutated strains of the virus, which are more dangerous and spread more rapidly. The paper added that declaring victory over Covid-19 at the global level still requires patience and deliberation, and this means adhering to a set of necessary precautionary measures, noting that the society has contributed to limiting the spread of the virus by their obligation to get vaccinated, and by avoiding crowded places and adhering to social distancing. In this regard, the newspaper praised the efforts made by the State's health entities and institutions, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Education, and all the participating parties that contributed to controlling the virus and limiting its spread, stressing that this had the greatest impact in achieving the desired results. In conclusion, Al-Watan said that it is noticeable that at the global level, the infections are declining, as a result of the precautionary measures, noting that this means that many other infectious diseases can be avoided by making caution a daily habit in our lives, regardless of the current pandemic. For its part, The Peninsula newspaper hailed in its editorial Thursday the decision of the Cabinet to continue with the precautionary measures and restrictions to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Qatari daily said that the State of Qatar's strategy against the pandemic has so far been very effective, with the country registering one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rate, and also achieving one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. The country has recorded 601 deaths from around 227,000 cases detected in the country so far, the paper stated adding that the State of Qatar's COVID-19 vaccination campaign has also been a huge success with 87.1 percent of the eligible population having received at least the first dose, while 93.7 percent of over-60 population fully vaccinated. The newspaper underlined that after successful implementation of COVID-19 containment policies, the authorities have gradually allowed reopening of most sectors and has also relaxed quarantine rules for incoming travellers vaccinated against the COVID-19 infection. However, despite these successes, the nature of the pandemic and new variants spreading in many countries warrant constant monitoring and actions accordingly, The Peninsula added. The Qatari daily pointed out that the combined impact of COVID-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, and the overwhelming support of the community, has resulted in a consistent reduction in the number of new daily infections in the country, stressing that it is still important to be cautious as the second wave is not yet over and there are still two highly contagious and highly virulent strains of the virus that are actively circulating in the community. In conclusion, The Peninsula stressed that it remains crucial that people keep following all the precautionary measures announced by the authorities. (QNA)