Qatar has implemented a series of strict measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The set of measures that applies across various sectors of the country comes with mandatory requirements to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

In this light, earlier in March, Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced a decision to stop providing elective medical services at all private health facilities except for emergency cases.

Ministry of Public Health closed 5 private medical centers and referred them to the Health Prosecution for violating the decision to suspend some non-emergency health services in private health facilities, as part of the precautionary measures to combat Covid-19 epidemic. #QNA pic.twitter.com/OgVrfrOyb8

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) May 6, 2020

The decision includes dental clinics, dermatology and laser clinics, plastic surgery clinics, and surgical procedures. It also covers diet and slimming centers, as well as physiotherapy clinics and complementary medicine of all kinds. These services are to remain close until further notice, according to the Ministry's directives.

As MoPH continues to monitor the implementation of the safety measures, to safeguard the health of Qatar's population, it closed five private medical centers yesterday for violating the decision to suspend non-emergency services. 

The violations were detected during the Ministry's inspections of health facilities.

Earlier, during the Cabinet's meeting on April 29, 2020, it had decided to extend the suspension of non-emergency medical services in private health facilities.

It also decided to extend the suspension of services of diet and nutrition centers, physiotherapy clinics, complementary medicine, home healthcare services, except for long-term nursing contracts, and health centers for people with special needs.

To address the healthcare needs of the population amid the current situation, Qatar had earlier activated a set of remote access channels to healthcare services at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

The digitized healthcare services include scheduling appointments with healthcare providers, receiving virtual consultation and medical advice, obtaining sick leave, as well as getting medicine delivered to your doorstep.

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.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.