Qatar's authorities have been working hard to implement various initiatives to protect the health of the country's citizens and residents amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) challenge.

Complementing these efforts, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced on its official Twitter page that under an ambition "to maintain public safety" driving classes and tests at driving schools in Qatar will be stopped, effective from Sunday, March 22, 2020.

This decision will remain in place until further notice, the Ministry stated.

To maintain public safety and in compliance with the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the country, driving classes and tests at driving schools will be stopped starting from Sunday, 22 Mar 2020, until further notice.#MoIQatar #QatarTraffic #YourSafetyIsMySafety

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) March 20, 2020

However, trainees can follow the theoretical lessons through the application (Driver Guide) on smart devices, according to Qatar News Agency.

The lessons will comprise training videos distributed over five days with the availability of tests to ensure that the trainee passes and fully understands daily lessons during the mentioned period.

The announcement by MOI adds to other decisions taken by the country's authorities over the last few days to curb the spread of the virus among the population. 

Qatar has closed cinemas, theatres, children’s play areas, gyms, and wedding venues, including those in hotels, under efforts to contain COVID-19.

It has also temporarily closed all mosques and shut down salons and retail stores in shopping malls in addition to canceling and postponing several other events and facilities.

In terms of COVID-19 testing, Qatar has tested as many as 8873 individuals, until now. The country has one of the highest testing rates in the world. 

Yesterday, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also lauded Qatar's efforts in suppressing and controlling the spread of the disease in the country. 

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

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