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In a statement issued recently, Supreme Committee for Crisis Management Spokesperson Lolwah bint Rashid bin Muhammad al Khater applauded the healthcare service providers and those working on the frontline in the battle against the coronavirus, saying their services are an inspiration for all.
She also thanked the citizens, residents and visitors for making “great sacrifices to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of the virus.
Al-Khater assured the workers, those who have helped build the country and are now in quarantine in the Industrial Area, that the government is doing everything to support them and safeguard their health and well-being. She said extra medical services were mobilized to the area and regular check- ups were being undertaken. She noted that this is just a temporary period and should be over sooner or later, all depending on everyone’s support.
Qatar Tribune approached some of the Western community leaders through e-mail interviews to elicit their feedback and advice for their community members in combating the pandemic virus. Edited excerpts of what they said:
Mario Lozancic
Chairperson, Croatian
Business Council, Qatar
These are challenging times that we are living in. Countries all around the world have been fighting their own battles -- be it wars, economic distress, poverty or environmental disasters. But rarely has there been an event like the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, which affects all countries and all people alike.
Qatar is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities. This common enemy is uniting us to stand together, across the globe and in Qatar, because only our concerted efforts can help to overcome this peril. We welcome the measures taken by the Qatari authorities and invite you all to abide to the guidelines put in front of us. Let us be responsible and help to put this behind us and rise again.
Elvira Pradas
General Secretary, Spanish Chamber of Commerce Qatar
The Spanish community in Qatar is extremely aware of the crisis we are experiencing, the COVID-19.
The Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar applauds the measures taken by the Qatar authorities to safeguard the security of nationals and residents in the country and fight the spread of the coronavirus.
From the Chamber, aligned with the authorities, we request the Spanish community to follow all the preventive measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus: to work from home where possible; use phone and online services for essential services; whenever you are out in public, maintain at least 1 meter distance between yourself and those around you; avoid gatherings with friends and family; avoid shaking hands or kissing when greeting each other; continue washing your hands regularly; avoid touching your face; clean the frequently touched surfaces; and leave the house only if it is essential.
We can only add strength to fight the adversity by encouraging all.
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, we want to thank all those who are working tirelessly to fight the pandemic.
We share the words of HM the King of Spain Felipe VI: “This virus will not defeat us. On the contrary. It will make us stronger as a society; a society that is more committed, more caring, more united. A society that’s standing up against any adversity.”
Ann Jangsell
Chairperson, Swedish Association, Qatar
The Swedish Association of Qatar salutes the Government of Qatar for its decisive action in slowing the spread of COVID-19. I believe that we are lucky to be in a country that has a comprehensive and well-managed healthcare system and I thank all those staff who are keeping the country safe.
Within our group we have been sharing official announcements and directives and keeping everyone updated. In addition, we have set up a group, “Help me”, for our members to offer help and for people to seek help with tasks that are now difficult to complete.
As a community we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Qatar and taking all measures we can to fight this situation and to all come out stronger.
Palma Libotte
Chairperson, Italian Chamber of Commerce Qatar
Italy has been facing difficult times with COVID-19. However, we are lucky to have talented doctors and researchers and a health system providing free medical assistance. The monitoring of COVID-19 has been timely and accurate.
We appreciate the moral solidarity and are immensely grateful for the practical support we are receiving at the international level.
Italians will overcome this challenge thanks to their resilience, skills, innate resources and creativity. Inshallah, we will soon be prepared to welcome you all to visit our beautiful country and experience our uniqueness.
I consider myself safe in Qatar and I am grateful for how the Italian Embassy is supporting our community.
I feel obliged to the government of Qatar for rapidly implementing security measures and for supporting the business sector. Everyone should strictly adhere to the official measures, stay at home, and keep Qatar safe. It is a great place to live over 13 years. Now, it’s my second home.
She also thanked the citizens, residents and visitors for making “great sacrifices to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of the virus.
Al-Khater assured the workers, those who have helped build the country and are now in quarantine in the Industrial Area, that the government is doing everything to support them and safeguard their health and well-being. She said extra medical services were mobilized to the area and regular check- ups were being undertaken. She noted that this is just a temporary period and should be over sooner or later, all depending on everyone’s support.
Qatar Tribune approached some of the Western community leaders through e-mail interviews to elicit their feedback and advice for their community members in combating the pandemic virus. Edited excerpts of what they said:
Mario Lozancic
Chairperson, Croatian
Business Council, Qatar
These are challenging times that we are living in. Countries all around the world have been fighting their own battles -- be it wars, economic distress, poverty or environmental disasters. But rarely has there been an event like the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, which affects all countries and all people alike.
Qatar is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities. This common enemy is uniting us to stand together, across the globe and in Qatar, because only our concerted efforts can help to overcome this peril. We welcome the measures taken by the Qatari authorities and invite you all to abide to the guidelines put in front of us. Let us be responsible and help to put this behind us and rise again.
Elvira Pradas
General Secretary, Spanish Chamber of Commerce Qatar
The Spanish community in Qatar is extremely aware of the crisis we are experiencing, the COVID-19.
The Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar applauds the measures taken by the Qatar authorities to safeguard the security of nationals and residents in the country and fight the spread of the coronavirus.
From the Chamber, aligned with the authorities, we request the Spanish community to follow all the preventive measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus: to work from home where possible; use phone and online services for essential services; whenever you are out in public, maintain at least 1 meter distance between yourself and those around you; avoid gatherings with friends and family; avoid shaking hands or kissing when greeting each other; continue washing your hands regularly; avoid touching your face; clean the frequently touched surfaces; and leave the house only if it is essential.
We can only add strength to fight the adversity by encouraging all.
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, we want to thank all those who are working tirelessly to fight the pandemic.
We share the words of HM the King of Spain Felipe VI: “This virus will not defeat us. On the contrary. It will make us stronger as a society; a society that is more committed, more caring, more united. A society that’s standing up against any adversity.”
Ann Jangsell
Chairperson, Swedish Association, Qatar
The Swedish Association of Qatar salutes the Government of Qatar for its decisive action in slowing the spread of COVID-19. I believe that we are lucky to be in a country that has a comprehensive and well-managed healthcare system and I thank all those staff who are keeping the country safe.
Within our group we have been sharing official announcements and directives and keeping everyone updated. In addition, we have set up a group, “Help me”, for our members to offer help and for people to seek help with tasks that are now difficult to complete.
As a community we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Qatar and taking all measures we can to fight this situation and to all come out stronger.
Palma Libotte
Chairperson, Italian Chamber of Commerce Qatar
Italy has been facing difficult times with COVID-19. However, we are lucky to have talented doctors and researchers and a health system providing free medical assistance. The monitoring of COVID-19 has been timely and accurate.
We appreciate the moral solidarity and are immensely grateful for the practical support we are receiving at the international level.
Italians will overcome this challenge thanks to their resilience, skills, innate resources and creativity. Inshallah, we will soon be prepared to welcome you all to visit our beautiful country and experience our uniqueness.
I consider myself safe in Qatar and I am grateful for how the Italian Embassy is supporting our community.
I feel obliged to the government of Qatar for rapidly implementing security measures and for supporting the business sector. Everyone should strictly adhere to the official measures, stay at home, and keep Qatar safe. It is a great place to live over 13 years. Now, it’s my second home.
