Qatar ranks fourth in the world for mobile internet speed: Ookla Global Index August 2021

Qatar ranked fourth among the list of countries with the fastest mobile internet for the year 2021, according to the latest reports issued by the Ookla 2021 Global Index (August 2021 Data), whose data is based on the average internet download speed, in which Doha reached a speed of 169.17 MB. Qatar has witnessed a remarkable development in this sector during the recent period, thanks to the large investment expansion of local companies active in this sector, and its endless focus on attracting and using the latest technologies available in this field, including the fifth generation, which has become one of the most important pillars for the advancement of all sectors within Qatar.

The UAE is in the lead according to Ookla, while South Korea came in second place, followed by Norway and Qatar in the third and fourth places respectively. They are followed by China which ranked fifth and Saudi Arabia came in sixth. Kuwait came in seventh place, while Cyprus and Australia came in eighth and ninth respectively, with Bulgaria completing the top 10 list in the tenth position.

The last five countries in the list of 140 were occupied by Ghana, Bangladesh, Palestine, Venezuela and Afghanistan at the bottom.

Coronavirus in Qatar -- Week 81 Update

Did you know that this week (9-15 September 2021) saw 0 deaths due to COVID-19, and the maximum recoveries in a day were 197 (11 & 15 September 2021), while 159 (15 September 2021) was the highest number of newly infected cases? Here are the latest updated weekly trends in terms of recoveries, new cases, and deaths related to the current COVID-19 situation.

From 9-15 September 2021, 2,633 people were referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks, 946 for not adhering to physical distancing, 19 for violating home quarantine requirements, and 31 for not downloading EHTERAZ on their phones. A total of 3,629 violations were recorded from 9-15 September 2021.

Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)
Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)
Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)
On average there have been 137 new cases per day over the last week (9-15 September 2021). With the highest number of cases being reported on 15 September (159 cases) and the lowest numbers on 14 September (122 cases).

Daily recoveries in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)
Daily recoveries in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)
Daily recoveries in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)
On average there have been 182 recoveries per day over the last week (9-15 September 2021). With the highest number of recoveries being reported on 11 and 15 September (197 recoveries) and the lowest number of recoveries on 14 September (156 recoveries).

Daily deaths in Qatar (9-15 September 2021)

Private school facing legal action after parent complains about objectionable learning material

After a parent complained about a private school for distributing a Grade 10 educational resource that contains material that is contrary to the Islamic religion along with the customs and values of the society, the school faces legal action, according to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE).

After the parent made a complaint to the MoEHE, the competent authority in the Ministry went directly to the concerned school to verify the matter. It was found that the school had, indeed, violated the circular regarding the revision of educational resources, whereby all schools are obliged to review all new educational resources and ensure they do not contain anything that contradicts the Islamic religion and the values ​​and customs of the society, while obtaining prior approval from the competent authority in the Ministry before distributing the resources to their respective students.

The school has been directed to take all necessary measures to immediately remove the educational resource. The matter has also been referred to the concerned department to take legal action regarding this violation.

Qatar Customs foils attempt to smuggle hashish into the country

In a Tweet, Qatar Customs has announced that the Al Ruwais Customs has foiled the smuggling of hashish, hidden in a secret way inside of wooden pallets of a vegetable shipment.

COVID-19 Statistics Qatar: 16 September 2021

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has just announced the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) figures here in Qatar. Check them out below:

Summary of new infections, recoveries and deaths
133 new cases were recorded today, bringing the total number of positive cases in Qatar to date to 235,187. Of these 94 cases were recorded among community members within Qatar and 39 cases among travellers returning from abroad who are subject to quarantine. All new cases are in isolation and are receiving the necessary health care according to their health status.
195 people recovered from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of people that have recovered in Qatar to 232,817.
No new death was recorded in the past 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths to date in Qatar to date is 604.
National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Data
4,633,897 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the programme.
9,718 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the past 24 hours.
79.6% of the total population have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine.
Current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19)
In recent weeks 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.
However, 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.
Phase Three of the Gradual Lifting of Restrictions began on Friday 09 July and is part of a four-phase plan to be delivered over the coming months.
The date of implementation and the duration of each next phase will depend on the epidemic indicators, which depend to a great extent on the degree of compliance of the community members with the current measures, restrictions and guidance by the government.
For now, it is important that people, including those who are vaccinated, continue to wear a mask as advised and maintain social distancing.​
What You Can Do
With COVID-19 still a threat to our health here in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures:
Adherence to physical distancing.
Avoiding close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate.
Wearing a face mask.
Washing hands regularly.
People should take the COVID-19 vaccine at the earliest opportunity when their turn comes.
Anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms should contact the 16000 helpline immediately. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it.
Visit the MOPH website for regular updates and the latest information.