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"Children among most affected in recent Covid spike'.

Among the most affected in the recent spike in Covid-19 cases are children and people who have had a drop in immunity as more than six months have elapsed after their second dose of vaccine, a senior health official said.
"Several medical facilities have been allocated to follow up on Covid-19 patients," Dr Hamad Eid al-Rumaihi, director of the Department of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), told Qatar TV Tuesday.
"During the past two months, we have noticed an increase in the spread of the virus in society and over the recent days in hospitalisation too," he said. The Communicable Disease Center, The Cuban Hospital, and Hazm Mebaireek Field Hospital are receiving Covid-19 patients.
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Shot in the arm

"The vaccination campaign which started in December 2020 has seen more than 5mn doses being administered in Qatar against Covid-19, covering about 86% of the population. The booster dose administration started on September 15, 2021 and to date more than 247,000 people have been vaccinated, with a growing demand. We hope to cover more people in the forthcoming period," added Dr al-Rumaihi.
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"We are fully ready to receive patients in the same way we did before with the previous waves and the increase in cases. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has the capability to increase the patient capacity. There are several hospitals which gave Covid-19 treatment during the previous period, and they are ready to join the dedicated hospitals if need be.
"With the advent of the winter season in which people tend to stay indoors, viruses spread more easily," the official pointed out.
Referring to the upcoming opening of the Qatar Vaccination Center – for the Business and Industry Sector in Bu Garn on January 9, 2022, Dr al-Rumaihi said the facility will administer around 30,000 booster doses per day to key business and industry workers.
"This is in addition to the availability of vaccines in the 28 health centres of the Primary Health Care Corporation. There is a sufficient amount of vaccines. We call on all those who are eligible for the third shot to take the initiative to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
"The goal of the booster dose is to improve immunity in general, especially within the context of the spread of several variants. The Omicron variant is spreading, and 107 countries have announced its prevalence. Also the spread of other variants in the future is possible.
"In addition to protecting oneself, the person who has the Ehteraz Gold Frame gets several advantages, related to travel and entry to workplaces, restaurants, health clubs, barbershops. As for the entry to malls, people will need only the green status in Ehteraz."

MoPH updates travel, return policy from Jan 1.

The Ministry of Public Health Tuesday released the latest updates to the country lists based on Covid-19 risks and the Travel and Return Policy. The updates will come into effect at 7pm on January 1, 2022.

The High Risk List or Exceptional Red List Countries now are Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The new High Risk List is smaller, with seven countries, including Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Sudan shifted to the Red List.

The Red List now gets bigger with 47 countries. The earlier number was 23. The countries include the US, the UK, the UAE, South Africa, Switzerland, France, and Italy.

The Green List has now only 159 countries, which earlier had 175. The countries that appear in the list include Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Cuba, Greece, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and Yemen.

MoPH urges all to wear face mask.

"With the number of new daily Covid-19 cases increasing in recent weeks and the detection of Omicron in Qatar, it is more important than ever to wear a face mask as per the current MoPH policy to protect yourself and those around you," the Ministry of Public Health tweeted Tuesday.

MoI message on reporting suspicious individuals.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has informed the general public that they can report suspicious individuals dealing with fake currencies or forged certificates through the Metrash2 app. Security is a shared responsibility, a MoI tweet added.

MoPH opens vaccination center for business, industry workers.

Doha
*Qatar Vaccination Center will have capacity to administer up to 30,000 vaccine doses per day

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is significantly expanding capacity of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme through the opening of the Qatar Vaccination Center – for Business and Industry Sector in Bu Garn.
The new facility will open on January 9, and administer Covid-19 vaccines to key business and industry workers. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Primary Health Care Corporation, with support from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and ConocoPhillips-Qatar.
Qatar Vaccination Center will have capacity to administer up to 30,000 vaccine doses per day, with booster doses making up the majority of vaccines administered. First and second doses will also be administered to eligible people.
The Bu Garn vaccination center will operate on an appointment-based system, with no walk-in appointments given. The Covid-19 Vaccination Scheduling Unit has been set up to support the booking and appointment process at the vaccination center. Businesses are encouraged to contact the Unit and schedule vaccination appointments for their eligible staff by emailing [email protected]

Baladna participates in one million tree initiative.

Doha
The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Public Parks Department, in co-operation with Baladna Food Industries, organised an event to plant a number of trees at Baladna Farm, as part of a programme to plant 5,000 trees within the One Million Trees initiative.
A number of officials from the Public Parks Department and the Gardens Department of the Municipality of Al Khor and Al Thakhira and the company participated in the event. A number of seedlings suitable for the local climatic conditions were planted.

Call to make Souq Waqif flower festival a regular fixture.

Doha
Petunia and velvet flowers were are in high demand among Qatari visitors to the flower festival held recently at Souq Waqif, in addition to some colourful shrubs and different types of jasmine.
Speaking to local Arabic daily Arrayah, a number of Qatari citizens highly appreciated the idea of the festival, its timing and location, besides the diversity of the displays and the reasonable pricing.

Sheikh Mohamed al-Thani described the festival as an excellent opportunity for shoppers to buy various flowering and ornamental plants from under one roof. He noted that the prices of seasonal flowering plants were excellent, starting from QR1. He also observed that some Qataris buy vegetable seedlings to plant them in their home gardens so they can have fresh supply for their kitchens. Exhibitors at the festival also sold seeds, fertilisers, agriculture tools and other farming necessities. The timing of the festival was also suitable for planting as it comes with the start of winter.
Ibrahim Saad al-Sulaiti said that visiting the flower festival imparts a sense of relief and comfort. The event was also a great opportunity for those who love gardening, he added.

Validity of immunity after 2nd dose cut to 9 months.

Doha
*Ehteraz Gold Frame to disappear from Feb 1, 2022, if nine months have elapsed after second dose
*Booster will reinstate the Gold Frame status for a further nine months
*Change to 9-month validity will also apply to vaccination certificates to enter Qatar following travel abroad and for visitors to country

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced that with effect from February 1, 2022, the validity of Covid-19 vaccine immunity after the second dose will be reduced from 12 months to nine.
"There is clear medical evidence that protective immunity from Covid-19 infection begins to decline six months after the second dose of an approved vaccine," an official statement said while explaining that the policy change is to ensure the health and safety of the population.
According to the new policy, individuals whose second dose of Covid-19 vaccine of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca was more than nine months ago on February 1, 2022 will be considered unvaccinated and lose their Gold Frame (immunised) status on Ehteraz.
Receiving a booster vaccine dose will reinstate their Gold Frame status for a further nine months. This aligns Qatar with the protective actions being taken by other countries in the region and the world, to address the ongoing pandemic.
The Ehteraz Gold Frame status gives individuals certain privileges under the current Phase Four of the Gradual Lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions and the change to the 9-month validity will also apply to vaccination certificates when used to enter Qatar following travel abroad and for visitors to the country.
Following the detection of the first Omicron cases in Qatar, in addition to the increase in new Covid-19 daily cases over the past two months, the MoPH warned that this is a critical period in the fight against the virus and it is vitally important that all eligible members of the community get their booster vaccine without delay.
The Ministry stated that recent studies show booster doses to be effective at preventing severe infection against the Omicron variant as well as other circulating variants.
Booster doses are being administered to individuals who had their second dose more than six months ago and to date, more than 240,000 booster vaccine doses have safely been administered in Qatar, with no severe side effects reported.
Booster vaccines are also available at all Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health centres and PHCC is directly contacting people who are eligible for the booster vaccine dose to set an appointment. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been contacted can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 or use the PHCC’s mobile app, Nar’aakom, to schedule an appointment. Prior appointments are needed before visiting a health centre and no walk-in appointments will be given.

Qatar condemns Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Nablus.

QNA/Doha
Qatar has condemned, in the strongest terms, the brutal attacks of the Israeli occupation forces and settler militias on defenceless Palestinian civilians in towns and villages northwest of Nablus, especially in Burqa, and considered them an extension of the horrific and heinous crimes of the occupation against the Palestinian people, and a flagrant violation of human rights and international covenants.
In a statement Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for the international community to move urgently to stop the repetitive Israeli attacks against the Palestinian people. It also renewed Qatar's firm position on the justice of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with the Al Quds as its capital.

Unsettled traffic violations to be referred to Public Prosecution.

Doha
The Traffic Department has the right to refer some violations, when they are not settled within one year, to the Public Prosecution, an official told Qatar TV.
"Yet, the vehicle registration in such cases would be renewed by the Traffic Department while the case will be followed up by the department concerned," explained Col Jaber Mohamed Rashid Odaiba, assistant director of the Media and Traffic Awareness department at the Traffic Department.
The official pointed out that March 17, 2022, will be the deadline for the Traffic Department's initiative of offering 50% discount on traffic fines.
Subsequently, traffic fines can be reduced to 50% in applicable cases when paid within one month of committing the violation, Col Odaiba added.

Scattered, thundery rain likely from Wednesday.

Doha
Scattered rain is likely to return Wednesday and may continue until the beginning of next week, the Department of Meteorology said Monday.
Weather charts indicate that the weather will be partly cloudy to cloudy and the scattered rain of variable intensity over most areas may become thundery at times associated with strong winds exceeding 25 kt speed, the Met Dept said in a tweet. The blowing dust these days may result in low visibility as less as 2km, at times.
The wave height will increase to more than 10ft during thundery rain.
The Meteorology Department also urged all to be careful during unstable weather and to avoid all marine activities as well as to follow latest weather updates through its official accounts.

Local banks to accept 'old' currency until December 31.

Old Qatari banknotes (fourth series) will be accepted at branches of various banks and ATMs in the country only until December 31.
All local banks have already advised customers about the December 31 deadline.
In January this year, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) had put into circulation the fifth series through which new currency notes in seven denominations were introduced - QR1, QR5, QR10, QR50, QR100, QR200, and QR500.
Originally, March 19 was set as the deadline to replace the currency notes (of the fourth issue) with the new bank notes. However, QCB had later extended the deadline.

QRCS provides Gaza health centre with solar power.

Doha
As part of its interventions to support the health sector in Gaza, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has provided the Deir Al-Balah Health Centre, which is affiliated to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), with solar power to ensure its continuous operation.
The project involves installing 130 solar panels that will generate 58 kW of electricity for the health centre, delivering uninterrupted services to the public.

Dr Akram Nassar, head of QRCS’s representation office in Gaza, underlined the importance of the project saying the governorates of Gaza suffered from recurrent power cuts for more than 12 hours daily, posing a threat to the provision of health services for patients.
The energy generated by the project will cover 90% of the electricity needs of the center’s facilities, mainly the departments of emergency, radiology, and specialised clinics, where service had been halted due to power outages.
Eng. Sufian Zidane, director of PRCS’ chapter in central Gaza, praised the new solar project, as the centre serves about 4,700 patients per month.
In addition, the new project reduces fuel emissions from electric generators, which are harmful to residents of the areas surrounding the centre.
QRCS already completed renewable energy projects in Gaza to ensure the continuity of services for its population, including a local university and many homes of poor families across the blockade. Currently, a similar project is in progress to supply three water wells with solar power.

Inspections detect 1,520 violations by food outlets, retail shops.

Doha
Doha Municipality's Health Control Section carried out 36,917 inspection tours on the food outlets and retail shops in Doha and the Industrial Area throughout this year.
These resulted in issuing 1,520 violation reports according to law 8 for 1990 on the regulation of human food control and 177 food outlets shut. However, 1,398 violation reports were resolved in reconciliation. Further, 1,763 food samples were taken for laboratory tests to ensure their safety and compliance with the set standards. The section received 785 related complaints and responded to them within 24 hours. The section raised the awareness of food workers at 2,763 outlets.
In addition, it supervised the safety of food offered during festivals, and major events held over the recent period. The veterinarians of the section examined 351 tonnes of fish at the Corniche Fish Market and destroyed 730kg for being unfit for human consumption.

Critical period in the fight against COVID-19, MoPH warns.

Doha: The Ministry of public Health (MoPH) has warned that this is a ‘critical period’ in the fight against COVID-19 further reminding public that it is vitally important for all eligible members of the community to get their booster vaccines without any delay.

The Ministry, in its daily COVID-19 report, stated that recent studies show the booster dose to be highly effective at preventing severe infection against the new Omicron variant.

“The new Omicron variant has been detected in Qatar and this poses an additional risk of a further increase in COVID-19 cases. Evidence so far indicates that Omicron is the most highly transmissible variant to date and many countries where Omicron variant is present are recording rapidly rising numbers of cases,” said the Ministry.

The Ministry said this as the number of new daily COVID-19 cases has increased. MoPH reported 343 new cases yesterday, among them 108 were travellers coming from abroad.

Also 148 people recovered from the virus during the past 24 hours bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 244, 896.

In addition, the Ministry announced one new death, aged 85, who had a history of chronic diseases and was receiving the necessary medical care.

As many as 7,701 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country in 24 hours while 5,163,471 doses have been administered since the start of National COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

Also 240,154 booster doses have been administered till now and 86.1% of the total population is fully vaccinated with two doses. One ICU admission and 36 hospital admissions were recorded yesterday due to COVID-19.

Al Shamal Municipality distributes wild tree seedlings.

Al Shamal Municipality's Services Affairs Department in co-operation with the Public Parks Department have carried out a campaign to distribute wild tree seedlings to citizens living within its jurisdiction. The campaign, which continues until January 13, 2022, is part of the one-million tree planting initiative, launched by the Ministry of Municipality.

Parents can access digital version of QID for children through Metrash2.

Now, parents can access the digital version of the QID for their children below 18 years through the Metrash2 digital wallet, the Ministry of Interior tweeted Sunday. To access the digital copy of the QID for the children, open the wallet window from the top menu in the app and select the required QID number, it was explained.

Zakat Fund provides QR16.4mn aid in November.

QNA/Doha
The Zakat Fund of the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs provided QR16,472,247 aid in November for 800 eligible families inside Qatar.
It included periodic and lump-sum aid, all of which are aids disbursed by the Fund's management to the registered eligible families in accordance with Sharia regulations.
Head of the Zakat Funds department Fayez Moazi al-Shammari explained that the Zakat Fund, on behalf of the people of Qatar, disburses this aid to those who deserve it, after conducting the social and field research for those applying for assistance, through the men and women branches of the department.
He added that the Zakat Fund is the governmental body entrusted with the law to collect the Zakat funds and provide them to those who are eligible in accordance with the Shariah regulations.
Zakat performers can pay their zakat via the Zakat Fund website www.zakat.gov.qa, offices and collection points spread across the country, and the Fund's bank accounts.
Cases wishing to request assistance from the Fund can also visit its website, view the required papers and documents, fill out forms and declarations, and upload the required documents to submit a request for assistance then a text message will be sent to the case with the request number for follow-up.

Ashghal announces closure of intersection.

Doha
Ashghal has announced a closure of the intersection of Al Sadd Street with Mohammed bin Al Qasim Street, from 11pm on December 30 to December 31 evening to finish asphalt works. Road users will be required to use Al Kinana, Al Ghotah and Suhaim bin Hamad Streets to reach their destinations.

Woqod dispels rumours.

Doha
Woqod has denied rumours circulating on social media that the company was granted a licence to sell alcoholic products at its fuel stations.
"The company would like to confirm that these rumours have no basis and are completely untrue," Woqod's Public Relations Department clarified in a tweet.

All stadiums ready to host FIFA World Cup: SC.

Doha
With under a year to go until Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup, all eight tournament venues have been completed and stand ready to host exciting matches, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) said in press statement Sunday.

Seven of the venues have been inaugurated and already hosted high-profile matches. Six stadiums were used during the FIFA Arab Cup, which was held in November and December, and provided the perfect opportunity to test preparations for 2022, SC said.
As part of our year in review series, we look at the progress delivered in relation to all tournament venues ahead of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

Minsitry urges to discard furniture properly.

The Ministry of Municipality has urged the public not to discard furniture outside their house before co-ordinating with the supervisor of public cleanliness in this regard.
The designated call centre can be contacted at 184 to remove such items properly, the ministry said in an advisory on social media. This is to maintain the aesthetic appeal of places around the country.
The ministry stressed that the haphazard dumping of waste on public streets is punishable under Public Hygiene Law No 18 of 2017.

Strong winds expected Sunday: Met.

Online trading and shopping platforms should be monitored closely by the authorities concerned to exercise tighter control on them and ensure further protection of consumer rights, a number of Qatari citizens and entrepreneurs have suggested.
They told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the Ministry of Commerce & Industry should maintain close control on such portals and websites and different online platforms to ensure that they are compliant with all necessary consumer protection laws and regulations. In particular, they should be obliged to post the full details of their products and price tags in Arabic and other languages could be added as well. Accordingly, the consumers demanded that there should be a dedicated contact number to report violations by these portals and platforms with the possibility of sending screenshots of the related violations.
Omran al-Kuwari, one of the citizens, stressed that many of these online platforms often do not post the price tags of their products with the aim of manipulating prices and selling their products at different rates to different customers. He said online trade is highly popular these days and the authorities concerned should exercise greater control on it to save customers from any potential manipulation or deceit.
He said he bought some mobile accessories from a certain website for QR100 and got the price in a private message. However, after two days, one of his friends bought the same for QR150. When he contacted the website concerned, they told him that the prices had gone up. He stressed that there is a need for constant monitoring of and tighter control on such entities.
Zakaria al-Majid said there are some people who use WhatsApp groups to sell and promote different products such as camping necessities, tools, watches, accessories and many other items. He said the prices in these groups often vary a lot and sometimes the origin of a product is also not clear. Besides, most of these rarely use Arabic and resort to private messages to give the prices and details of each product to make as much profit as possible from different customers.
He suggested that the authority concerned should create and maintain a comprehensive database of such portals and online platforms and update it constantly to monitor their practices and hold them liable for any violations of relevant laws and regulations. Besides, there should be an effective mechanism to easily report any related violations.
Nayif al-Shahrani said many of these platforms often hide prices to create a "state of curiosity" and attract the attention of customers, which they believe would further promote a product, while others aim simply aim at selling their items at different prices to different customers. He noted that such sites should be keen to maintain transparency to gain the confidence and trust of customers.

QM presents a glimpse into Qatar’s rich history of pearling.

Doha
* 'Pearls of Wonder: a digital era' held as part of Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture

Qatar Museums has concluded 'Pearls of Wonder: a digital era', an immersive digital art exhibition exploring Qatar’s rich history of pearling through the lens of young Qatari artists working today.
The exhibition, which was on view at the contemporary art space in New York, Lavan541, from December 14 to 19, was curated by Qatar Museums’ curator of Contemporary Art, Dr Bahaa Abudaya, as part of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, an annual international cultural exchange designed to deepen understanding between nations and their people.
Through new work of five Qatari artists, 'Pearls of Wonder: a digital era' transported visitors on a journey back in time when Qatar was one of the largest pearl producers in the world. The audience had the opportunity to explore the significant role natural pearls played in shaping the economic history of the region as well as the nation’s culture and traditions.
The artists - Mohamed F***j al-Suwaidi, Maryam al-Homaid, Alanoud al-Buainain, May Almannai and Saida Alkhulaif - are alumni of Qatar Museums’ Fire Station, a contemporary art space committed to supporting artists through its Artist in Residence programme, as well as engaging the local communities through events, exhibitions, and public art.
“We are thrilled to have brought the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture programme to a close with the innovative exhibition, 'Pearls of Wonder: a digital era',” said Aisha al-Attiya, director of the Cultural Diplomacy Department, Qatar Museums. “By celebrating such a pivotal time in Qatar’s development through digital installations crafted by local artists, we can share this important part of our heritage with others in the United States. Telling these stories in such a captivating way allows visitors to learn more about Qatar, and its incredible history, in a new and immersive way.”
“As the curator of our artist-in-residency programme at The Fire Station, I have the great pleasure of working with young and emerging Qatari artists as they discover their own voices through art and contribute to our burgeoning cultural landscape,” said Dr Abudaya. “I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to share these artist’s work outside of Doha and bring a piece of our culture to the United States through an exhibition highlighting an important part of our nation’s history: our pearling industry.”
"As we conclude the 2021 Year of Culture, the exchange between our two countries has been a reflection of brilliant artistry and has deepened our understanding of one another as we celebrated and revelled in the distinct artistic and cultural character of each nation," said Fatema al-Baker, director of Public Diplomacy at the embassy of Qatar. "The history of Qatari pearls spans thousands of years, and they are praised all over the world for their exquisite beauty and quality. ‘Pearls of Wonder’ illuminated a rich tradition of pearl diving in new and visually stunning ways, and we are proud to have shared our history with the world while showcasing the remarkable talents of these five Qatari artists."

The artists and works include the following:

* 'Bubbles & Pearls' by Mohamed F***j al-Suwaidi: 'Bubbles & Pearl's explores how pearling has evolved over time and the risk and physically taxing nature of the profession.

Mowasalat stresses preparedness for FIFA World Cup 2022.

This came as proof of the capabilities for future mega events in Qatar, the company said in a statement Saturday and underlined its preparedness for 2022, when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup.
"One of the most prominent sports events in 2021 has come to a successful end and we all look back at record numbers of fans, and everyone in Qatar that made this event work. Part of the success was co-operation between the main transportation providers to make sure that everyone gets to their destinations on time and safely," the company said, stressing that it is proud to be a part of this network.

Fahad al-Qahtani, Mowasalat CEO, said: “Mowasalat employed and trained thousands of drivers, mechanics and professional bus operations staff, and bought an entire fleet of 3,000 clean diesel and electric buses to cater for all shuttle needs during the matches.
To achieve such a massive, yet flexible and reliable service, it was equally important to us to incorporate IT matter experts and a brand-new smart fleet technology. It helps us with monitoring all buses in parallel, running diagnostics for vehicle maintenance and repair, and distributing buses on the ground. It also provides for the main vehicle, driver and customer safety framework.

"I am very happy and proud of my team that achieved this milestone to perfection and look forward to 2022.”
For the future, all signs point to sustainable growth: Mowasalat (Karwa) has received the first batch of electrical buses and ran several successful trials with them during the event.

Contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030, more of the bus fleet will be electrified, while new charging infrastructure, depots and bus stations will be put into operation and after 2022 kept as a legacy for a silent and emission-free bus and taxi network.
This will also be linked to e-scooters and the gradual electrification of taxis. "The future of transportation is green," the statement added.