Q&A for Community Members

Q1. How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch coronavirus from others who have the virus. This happens when an infected person sneezes or coughs, sending tiny droplets into the air. These can land in the nose, mouth, or eyes of someone nearby, or be breathed in.
Therefore, it is important to stay at least 1.5 meters away from a person who is sick.
People also can get infected if they touch an infected droplet on a surface and then touch their own nose, mouth, or eyes.

Q2. Can someone who is infected spread COVID-19 if they don’t have symptoms?

The virus spreads most easily when an infected person has symptoms. However, the virus can also spread before symptoms start. It can take 2–14 days after someone is exposed to the virus for symptoms to show.

Q3. Who should wear a face mask?

The wearing of a face mask can prevent the spread of the virus for adults, and is also recommended for children over the age of 2.
Physical distancing of at least 1.5 meters between people is recommended when in public spaces.

Q4. Is my child at risk of getting infected with COVID-19?

It seems to usually cause a milder illness in children than in adults or older people. However, there have been cases where children have developed more serious symptoms, sometimes several weeks after being infected with the virus.
Most people who have died from coronavirus are older adults or people with health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.

Q5. Can someone get infected with COVID-19 from mail, packages or products?

COVID-19 is thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets, although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces. However, it may be possible that people can get infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Therefore, it is a good idea to:

• Wash your hands after handling mail.
• Open and discard/recycle packages outside, then wash your hands immediately once back in the house.

Q6. What should I do if a family member has symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 (fever,runny nose, cough, sore throat, trouble breathing) can look a lot like symptoms from other illnesses. However, if a family member has trouble breathing, call the ambulance right away.

If someone in your family has a fever, cough, sore throat, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or just doesn’t feel well, it is recommended to call a doctor. If the person has been near someone with COVID-19 or lived in or traveled to an area where it is prevalent, tell the doctor. The doctor can then decide whether your family member:

• Needs to be tested for coronavirus
• Should come in for a visit
• Can be treated at home

For all questions and enquiries related to COVID-19, members of the public should call the Ministry of Public Health’s dedicated hotline on 16000.
For more information on COVID-19 visit www.moph.gov.qa or call 16000.

Q7.  What should I do if I suspect that my child has COVID-19?

If you suspect that your child has COVID-19, refrain from sending him/her to school, and contact the Ministry of Public Health hotline 16000. Share this information with the school.

Q8.  How do doctors test people for COVID-19?

To test someone for COVID-19, doctors send a mucus sample from the nose and back of the throat to a lab. If the person coughs up mucus, doctors might send that for testing too.

Q9. How can we protect ourselves from COVID-19?

To help protect yourself and your family from COVID-19:

• Avoid people who are sick. If someone at home is sick, take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading.
• Try to stay at least 1.5 meters away from other people.
• Follow national and local recommendations for social distancing, leaving your home, and wearing a face mask.
• Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your children to do the same.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use a household cleaner or wipe to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot.

Q10. Can pets get COVID-19?

Some animals have tested positive for COVID-19. People who are sick shouldn’t have contact with their pets. If someone must care for a pet while sick, they should wash their hands before and after contact and wear a face mask. If your pet is sick, call your vet for advice on what to do.

Q11. How is COVID-19 treated?

Doctors and researchers worked on the vaccine for COVID-19. Most people with the illness, including children, get better with rest and fluids. People who are very ill are hospitalized for more advanced treatments.

Q12. Where can I get updated information on COVID-19?

Check the  Ministry of Public Health, CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) websites for up-to-date, reliable information about COVID-19.

Q13.  What steps has the school taken to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19?

In addition to reducing the percentage of students on campus, the following measures will be taken:

• Temperature checks will be taken before entrance to the campus.
• Teachers, parents, or students with a temperature higher than 37.8 will not be granted access to the campus.
• Regular hand washing with water and soap or hand sanitizer will be enforced.
• Teachers will make sure the students leave a safe distance between them and will teach them to avoid unnecessary touching.
• All adults will be required to wear masks when on campus.
• Students G2-G5 are required to wear masks when on campus.
• Daily disinfection and cleaning of surfaces and common materials will take place.
• Physical distancing protocols will be enforced when moving around the campus.
• Online meetings with parents will be arranged instead of face-to-face meetings.
• Only fully vaccinated visitors will be granted campus access in cases of emergency.
• Inside gatherings, and other events will be restricted to 15 people.

Q14. How will the school support the mental health of students and combat any stigma against people who have been sick?

The QAM Covid-19 team, with support from TLC, will provide mental health support to students who may be struggling with stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
QAM has a culture of care, and all staff accept the responsibility of nurturing positive, accepting relationships with the students, which includes taking appropriate actions when students exhibit signs of anxiety or stress.

Q15. What if a student shows any of the COVID-19 symptoms during the school day?

The student will be isolated immediately in the isolation room and the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. The student will only be allowed back on campus with a medical report stating that she/he is fit to attend school.

Q16. What is the schools plan in case any student or staff tested positive during the course of the school year?

The school will follow the directions of the MOEHE and MOPH.

Q17.  How can I, as a parent, support the school’s safety efforts?

• Keep your child at home when sick.
• Educate your child about physical distancing and regularly washing his/her hands with soap and water.
• Prevent stigma by sharing facts and reminding your children to be considerate of one another.
• Be transparent with the school. Inform the school nurse and teacher if your child or any member of the household has any of the symptoms or if he/she test positive for COVID-19.