Al-Sharq Highlights Qatar's Successful Strategy of Gradual Lift of COVID-19 Restrictions

Doha, July 08 (QNA) - Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq highlighted in its Thursday editorial the State of Qatar's successful strategy for the gradual return to normal conditions in the country in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The newspaper referred to the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, headed by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, which approved the third phase of the plan for the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting Friday, after an explanation provided by HE Minister of Public Health on the latest developments to limit the spread of COVID-19 and after reviewing a report by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management. Al-Sharq said the new phase reflects the State's keenness on the health and safety of all members of society and working towards a gradual return to normal conditions, while continuing to adhere to caution in lifting restrictions to preserve the safety of citizens and residents in the country, despite the low rates of daily cases, given that the risk of the pandemic still exists with the outbreak of two mutated strains which are considered more severe and faster spread. Given the positive results of the COVID-19 restrictions, the increasing frequency of vaccination and the great support of all members of society, the newspaper pointed out that this led to the continuation of the plan to gradually lift restrictions, and the issuance of the necessary decisions to move to the third phase of the plan, which includes four stages. The stages are expected to be completed during the coming period, but the start date for the implementation of each stage and the period of its effectiveness depends on the indicators of the pandemic and the results of responding to the pandemic on the ground, which will not be achieved unless all members of society continue to adhere to the precautionary measures and the directives issued by the competent authorities, the paper added. Al-Sharq concluded its editorial by stressing that the integration of roles between the State, its institutions, concerned agencies and society is the shortest way to preserve the great gains achieved by the State's successful strategy in dealing with the pandemic. (QNA)