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COVID-19 Health Information

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus that belongs to a larger group of coronaviruses.

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have exhibited a range of mild to severe symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms, which may appear 2-14 days after exposure, are:

  • Fever – temperature above 100ºF or 37.8ºC
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Cough
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Headache
  • Sore throat

Some people have no symptoms and are asymptomatic. They can also be infectious.

If you are feeling unwell or develop any of the COVID-19 symptoms, be sure to do the following:

Self-isolate at home

Self isolate at home.

MoPH Hotline

Call the Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health toll-free hotline on 16000 for further advice. If required, testing and treatment services will be provided free of charge through public health care.

A self-assessment service to determine whether a person needs to be tested for COVID-19 is available on the MOPH website.

Gu-Qatar

Students/Faculty/Staff: Contact guqhealth@georgetown.edu

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How to Protect Yourself and Others

Prevention

Visit the Ministry of Public Health website for information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Effective COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and deployed. Recent evidence suggests that the vaccine efficacy wears off over time, and Qatar has updated the vaccine efficacy from one year to nine months, and is now offering booster shots for those who have had the second dose of the vaccine more than 6 months ago. Evidence also suggests that the vaccines are not effective in keeping you from transmitting infection to others. Therefore the most effective way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated and avoid being exposed to the virus

  • Get vaccinated, including receiving a booster when you are eligible.
  • Wear a high quality face mask.
  • Practice physical distancing.
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Assure good ventilation indoors.
  • Isolate from others if you have symptoms.
Distancing at GU-Q

COVID-19 Booster

The COVID-19 booster dose is offered free of charge to all eligible residents (6 months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) in all public health centers. To book your appointment, call the vaccination hotline#4027 7077 or visit your assigned public health center. Booster doses are also available at the QF Clinic. To schedule an appointment, you can email them at qfphcc@qf.org.qa or call them at #4454-1244 or #4454-1240.

We strongly encourage all members of the GU-Q community to protect themselves and each other by getting vaccinated and getting their booster shots on schedule.

Usage of Protective Equipment

Face Masks

Face Masks

Wearing a face covering in public is one of the ways of limiting the spread of coronavirus by people who have the virus. As of Thursday, September 1, 2022, masks are no longer required inside the GU-Q building. However, they are recommended for vulnerable groups (e.g. individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women), when interacting with people who exhibit symptoms or in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.

Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves

Gloves are not mandatory, but recommended in certain situations, including:

  • Providing direct care for a person suspected of having COVID-19;
  • Performing housekeeping activities, such as general cleaning and disinfecting.

Wearing gloves will not fully protect against COVID-19. Make sure to clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds, as it offers more protection than wearing gloves. Remember that you can still pick up the infection while wearing gloves if you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose.

High Risk Groups

Some people are more likely to have severe disease if they get infected. Risk factors include:

  • Age (55 and above)
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Heart, liver or kidney disease
  • Weakened immune system (e.g. caused by certain medications or pregnancy). 

Vulnerable individuals are advised by MoPH to follow extra precautionary measures, as they are more susceptible to infections.

If you require special accommodation for work due to being in a high risk group please contact GU-Q Human Resources.

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Mental Wellness and Wellbeing

Wellness note: Taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. For support, students can access SWCC resources, or call (+974) 4457-8330 or email SWCC, faculty and staff can contact Cigna EAP. The MoPH has also set up COVID-19 National Mental Health Helpline Numbers.

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Check the resources below that will help you to cope with stress. We encourage all to participate in virtual wellness events organized for the entire EC community.

Other Resources

National Mental Health Program
COVID-19 National Mental Health Helpline Numbers

The following phone numbers are available from 8am to 8pm.

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What to Do in Case of Exposure to the Virus

If you think you have been exposed to the virus, you must take certain steps to monitor your health and restrict contact with other people to prevent further spread. The most common way of contracting the virus is through the contact with someone who has COVID-19 while they are infectious. The contact might mean:

  • Physical contact
  • Close contact: A close contact is defined as one who was within 2 meters for greater than 15 mins cumulatively over a 24-hour period, whom you interacted with as early as 2 days before exhibiting symptoms or testing positive.
  • Proximate contact: more than 2 meters, but in the same room for an extended period of time.

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Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19

Image showing common symptoms of a mild infection and actions to take
Image showing common symptoms of a moderate infection and actions to take
Image showing common symptoms of a severe infection and actions to take

(click to enlarge)

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COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

The list of private health facilities accredited for rapid (RAT) and PCR testing is available here. You can also get tested in one of the public health centers (PHCCs) as well as at the QF Clinic (RAT tests only). Please note that public health authorities has recently changed testing requirements (more details below).

Public health authorities have amended testing requirements, and approved rapid testing for people under 50 years of age and travelers returning to the country. More details can be found here and in COVID-19 Testing FAQs published on the MoPH website. In over 100 facilities rapid test results are now linked to Ehteraz. 

 

Pet owners are also encouraged to make arrangements for someone to care for their pets in case they are required to self-quarantine/isolate at a government facility or are hospitalized.

 

The University encourages employees to have a robust plan in place for these types of situations. This should include having up-to-date emergency contact information, identifying someone who can assist you in dealing with important matters related to your family, health, and finances, and sharing your plans with close friends or relatives. Employees can update their emergency contact information in GMS. For assistance, please email guqhr@georgetown.edu.

Contacts

For all questions and inquiries related to COVID-19, call the 16000 hotline, which includes new virtual healthcare services, such as consultations, sick leave and medicine home delivery. For life threatening medical emergencies, call 999.

Find a full list of Healthcare Resources and Facilities including updated Telemedicine options and MoPH’s new National Mental Health Program below.

Medical Treatment for Coronavirus Patients

Telemedicine – digital telehealth tools are available to help you remotely manage your health care and receive the services you need without having to leave your home.

mophqatar

Ministry of Public Health

TELEMEDICINE – The 16000 hotline has been expanded to include new virtual healthcare services, including consultations, sick leave and medicine home delivery. More info here >>>

Hamad Medical Corporation

Hamad Medical Corporation

 

  • To book an appointment call 16060, or email nesmaak@hamad.qa.
  • Urgent Consultation Service is available for patients with non-life threatening conditions to speak to a specialist over the phone. Patients can call 16000 to speak to and HMC coordinator who will triage their case and transfer to one of the 11 specialties available for urgent care.
  • Medical emergencies will also be admitted if an individual does not have a Hamad Health card (have your QID ready).

HAMAD PHARMACY

  • Medication home delivery service is now available to all HMC patients with a valid health card.
  • Call 16000 between 7am and 3pm from Saturday to Thursday.
  • Q-Post will deliver medications on the next business day.
  • For questions about your prescription, how to use the medication, or concerns about drug interactions, contact the HMC Drug Information Center by phone at 4026 0747 between 8am and 8pm from Sunday to Thursday or by email at DIC@hamad.qa.

HMC pharmacy medication delivery

Qatar Foundation

Qatar Foundation Clinic

  • The Clinic resumed most in-person services, and will continue offering phone consultations.
  • To book an appointment call 4454 1240 or 4454 1244, or email qfphcc@qf.org.qa
  • Following a consultation, QF PHCC will arrange for any medication to be dispensed from its pharmacy. Patients should call the clinic’s reception to confirm the time at which they will be arriving to collect the medication.

CIGNA

Cigna Health Insurance

TELEMEDICINE – Cigna medical plan participants may utilize the Global Telehealth service available through their Wellbeing App to check on their symptoms or receive a second opinion.

  • Until April 21, 2021, Cigna will fully cover doctor recommended diagnostic testing and testing-related services, including in person or virtual doctor’s visits. Treatment-related visits will be fully covered until February 15, 2020. This applies to both International and US in and out of network care.
  • Contact the 24/7 Customer Service Center (Qatar: 00800 100401, International dial: (+1) 302 797 3100) with questions.
  • Telephone and video consultations are covered at the same benefit level and cost share as the in person service both in and out of network.
  • All GU-Q employees may utilize the EAP program free of charge.
  • The list of frequently asked questions is for employees participating in the Cigna Worldwide or Cigna International health insurance plans. Employees not participating in Cigna should contact their insurance provider for any clarifications related to their coverage. Frequently Asked Questions.

Primary Healthcare Centers

Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCCs)

TELEMEDICINE

  • Telephone Counselling Services are available from Sunday to Thursday 7am-11pm. Appointments can be booked through calling 107 hotline. This service requires a valid Hamad health card.
  • Community Call Center is available 7days/week from 7am-11pm. Patients requiring urgent medical advice without an appointment can call 16000 and be transferred to PHCC’s call center for a virtual medical consulting service. This service requires a valid Hamad health card.
  • Medication home delivery services are available for all residents with a valid Hamad health card. More info here >>>

Hospital

Private Hospitals and Clinics

  • Private facilities can operate at the full capacity, and should follow MoPH guidelines to minimize the risk of patients’ exposure to COVID-19.
  • Some private clinics, e.g. Al-Ahli Hospital, International Medical Center, offer phone and on-line consultations.
  • Selected private facilities were accredited by MoPH to carry out swabs for COVID-19 testing.

Kulud

Medication Home Delivery

Kulud Pharmacy provides home delivery of medications

Prescription refill for Cigna plan holders:

Direct billing applies for prescriptions from in-network providers (members need to submit copies of QID, claim form and local Cigna card);

80/20% copay applies for prescriptions from out-of network providers.

Other pharmacies might provide medication home delivery, check for this option before visiting the facility.

The Student Wellness & Counseling Center (SWCC) continues to provide holistic wellness services for GU-Q students during this period of instructional continuity. Staff are holding regular working hours and are available via phone, email, or Zoom.

Email: guqstudentwellness@georgetown.edu
Phone: (+974) 4457-8330
Urgent consultations: (+974) 5503-9044

Online tools and resources to help you cope with stress and academic performance:

Find more resources here >>>

Students

Health and Wellness: Student Wellness & Counseling Center

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff are encouraged to ask questions and reach out if they have concerns to the following contacts:

Health and Wellness questions: GU-Q Health

Emergency Numbers

GU-Q building: +974 4457-8458

Education City: +974 4454-0999

ERT Calling Tree (requires login)

To learn more about the coronavirus, prevention, treatment, and what to do if you are affected please visit:

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