The world cup in Qatar is set to kick off the 18th of November 2022. The stadiums have been built and tested, hotels renovated and ready to accept hundreds of thousands of fans, and the entire fan experience has been designed for a world class event.
The biggest issue that looms over the anticipated event is the Covid-19 situation around the world. Since the immerges of the Omicron variant, Covid-19 numbers have been surging around the world. In January 12th alone there have been over 3 and a half million new Covid-19 cases discovered in the world.
Football fans around the world wish to know: What is the Covid situation in Qatar? How are they handling the pandemic? And will fans be able to stay safe while travelling to Qatar for the world cup?
In the month of December there have been 5955 positive Covid-19 cases in Qatar. Although in January the country has faced a new wave of Covid-19 cases (aligned with the Omicron outbreak around the world), 78% of the Population in Qatar is fully vaccinated (Compared to 62% in the United States) and the mortality rate from Covid-19 is one of the lowest in the world at 0.2% (1.5% in the United States).
Qatar has been able to keep the Covid-19 death toll to a minimum thanks in large part to its government, which have made no exceptions with their treatment of Covid-19.
Just recently The Ministry of Labor penalized 24 companies for failing to adhere to Covid-19 precautionary measures, including wearing masks, providing sterilizers, and referred them to the competent authorities to take legal measures. Further more, the designated authorities referred 450 people to the prosecution for non-compliance with the preventive and precautionary measures in place in the country to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Among them, 293 people were referred to the prosecution for not wearing masks and 143 for not adhering to the safe distance. So the Qatari authorities are doing everything in its power to insure the publics safety.
In the case of a rare occurrence of severe Covid-19 symptoms during a stay in the country, Qatar has announced that three more healthcare centers will soon open in as part of the country’s efforts to enhance its healthcare system. The facilities will join 28 already existing centers across the country.
Qatar has also teamed up with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote physical and mental health during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a new multiyear collaboration. Titled “Healthy 2022 World Cup – Creating Legacy for Sport and Health”, the three-year project’s goal is to ensure that the long-anticipated event is a “beacon” for health promotion. “As the Qatar tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup held during the pandemic, the event offers a unique opportunity to show how sport can promote health now and provide a lasting legacy for organizing healthy sporting events,” said WHO Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom.
Overall it seems like Qatar has been taking all measures, and making the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of the country’s citizens and tourists, and will keep doing so though the much anticipated 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar has proven on top of all precautions and anyone attending the World Cup will be following all procedures to keep themselves and everyone around them safe. However, as with going anywhere in a pandemic it’s up to everyone to be responsible for themselves and know the risks.
This is a huge opportunity for Qatar to rebrand to a more positive light in the eyes of the globe. I am certain that they are staying very in tune with the changes and proper responses to the whimsicality of the pandemic, “to ensure the long-anticipated event is a “beacon” for health promotion.”
I would go in a heartbeat if I had the chance!
Qatar is one of the best places pandemic-wise.
Qatar has been on top of the game and one of the best places pandemic wise.
Corona isn’t actually surging in Qatar. Fatal cases have been miraculously low from the start! It just might be the best place to be.
Surely this is one of the best places to be. Based on the numbers, Qatar is low on Covid-19 cases. I hope everyone respects precautionary procedure responsibly during the World Cup 2022 so they will continue to keep the pressure on the pandemic.