Qatar has always been one of the first countries to step up and offer a helping hand to other nations in times of crisis. 

As the world faces the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Iran has surfaced as one of the worst-hit countries. 

As of now, there have been more than 11,300 confirmed cases of the disease in Iran.

The country has reached out to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $5 billion emergency funding to be used in its fight against the dreaded virus. 

"It has damaged Iranian businesses and is bound to hit its non-oil exports after many neighboring countries and trade partners shut their borders," Al Jazeera reported.

Reflecting its humanitarian spirit and extending support to Iran as it faces one of the worst health challenges of current times, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed urgent aid to be sent to the country.

HH the Amir has directed to send urgent medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran, given the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, as a contribution from the State of Qatar to combating this epidemic, which represents a common threat facing the whole world. #QNA pic.twitter.com/APEbMd6iGu

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) March 13, 2020

According to Qatar News Agency, "HH the Amir has directed to send urgent medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran, given the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, as a contribution from the State of Qatar to combating this epidemic."

Iran and Qatar have always maintained strong bilateral relations, which were further cemented after the blockade.

Iran was one of the first countries to reach out to Qatar and its people by immediately opening its airspace and seaports. This was also recognized by HH the Amir in January this year during a state visit to Iran. 

Earlier, in a telephonic conversation with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, HH the Amir had also expressed Qatar's willingness to support Italy in dealing with COVID-19. 

Meanwhile, in Qatar, health authorities 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.

This includes washing your hands often, using hand sanitizers, and keeping a distance of at least one meter (3 feet) from people who have symptoms of illness.

MoPH also advises citizens and residents to use a sleeve to cover the nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing in public or to use tissue paper and discard it appropriately.

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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Cover Image Credit: Bloomberg