As authorities in Qatar continue to scale up efforts to minimize the risk of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from spreading among the population, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has once again reminded citizens and residents to practice basic preventive measures to protect themselves from the infection.

In a video message shared on its official Twitter page, the Ministry urged members of the public to follow the below-mentioned advice:

@MOPHQatar urges all citizens and residents to apply preventive measures to protect against infection and to contact the ministry’s Coronavirus call centre for the latest information regarding the virus using the toll-free phone number (16000). pic.twitter.com/GM0FGXY9u9

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) March 10, 2020

Pay special attention to hand hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Likewise, you could use an alcohol-based rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands

Make sure not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands, as they may be infection carriers. This is why it is essential to regularly wash hands.

Cancel or postpone travel plans

MoPH has urged the public to avoid unnecessary traveling to countries that have confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

Avoid close contact with people who display flu-like symptoms

Keep your distance from people who show visible signs of respiratory illnesses. Do not shake hands with individuals with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Always cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing

When sneezing or coughing, make sure to use a clean napkin to cover your nose and mouth. Immediately discard the used napkin in the trash. If a napkin is unavailable, use the top of your sleeve (flexed elbow) but do not your hands.

In case you develop flu-like symptoms:

Keep your distance from other people and use a face mask to avoid infecting others. 

Make sure to visit the nearest health center or hospital.

The MoPH has launched a dedicated hotline (16000) to answer any public queries about the novel coronavirus.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus. 

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