As Qatar intensifies its fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it continues taking additional measures to ensure the safety of the wider community.

The country has been working diligently to ensure the availability of facilities to test, treat and manage patients affected by the infectious disease and contain the spread of the virus.

Earlier, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced that four of its health centers will temporarily serve as 'test and hold' facilities for suspected patients of COVID-19. 

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) also revealed that its Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH) will be used as a treatment facility for patients affected by the virus. 

The quick transformation of HMGH into a COVID-19 treatment facility echoed the proactive approach of the healthcare sector as it tackles the epidemic.

Now, Qatar's Public Works Authority, Ashghal, has announced that it has set up a Medical Quarantine Complex in Umm Slal, which will serve as a field hospital and is complemented by a recreational facility offering diverse activities.

The quarantine facility was established upon the request of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and currently holds 3000 beds.

Work is underway to have another 8500 beds at a medical isolation hospital soon, Ashghal announced in a tweet on its official Twitter page.

بالفيديو: #أشغال تنفذ مشروع مستشفى العزل الطبي @mophQatar @albaladiya pic.twitter.com/e3DimYB4BY

— هيئة الأشغال العامة (@AshghalQatar) April 9, 2020

Once the complex is complete, it will have a 12, 500-bed capacity.

An official from Ashghal's Buildings Projects Department, Engineer Thafir Al Ahbabi said that the field hospital has a recreational facility to accommodate 600 people. There are a range of sports activities along with iPads available for quarantined individuals.

There is also a dining room to serve 900 people and it takes into account the specified social distancing guidelines.

"We would like to extend our thanks to the private sector, local contractors and suppliers for their effective co-operation and contribution, offering their services to accomplish this great project in record time," he added.

#Ashghal BPD Eng. Thafir Al Ahbabi: Field Quarantine Hospital has a recreational facility to take 600 people with diverse sports activities along with iPads. A dining room to serve 900 people was set up, taking into consideration the safely social distancing of the seating

— هيئة الأشغال العامة (@AshghalQatar) April 9, 2020

Earlier this week, Ashghal, jointly with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), launched severe inspection campaigns at workplaces and labor accommodations to confirm the compliance of contracting companies in implementing the precautionary and preventive measures against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.

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