Three new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been recorded in Qatar, the country's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced today in a press conference.

According to the Ministry, the three patients were in contact with three other individuals whose cases were confirmed on Sunday. 

With these new cases, the total number of coronavirus patients in Qatar now stands at 18. This includes locals as well as expatriates.

The Ministry said they have also examined 300 contacts of these patients. 

مؤتمر صحفي لوزارة الصحة العامة للحديث عن مستجدات مرض فيروس ⁧#كورونا⁩ في دولة ⁧#قطر⁩. ⁦@MOPHqatar https://t.co/hLtbInzKMs

— خالد جاسم (@khalidjassem74) March 9, 2020

The cases were identified at a wholesale market and a hypermarket, which have been temporarily closed, the Ministry reported, according to Gulf Times.

Officials at the press conference also denied rumors of any coronavirus-related fatality in the country, reported The Peninsula. 

All three patients who were detected to contain the virus have been admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation's Communicable Disease Center.

All individuals who came in contact with the identified patients are under isolation and strict quarantine procedures to make sure they are free of the virus.

Intensifying precautionary measures in the country, the GCO announced that all schools, universities, and educational institutes will close from Tuesday, March 10, until further notice.

Furthermore, the Ministry has advised the public to avoid large public gatherings and as well as put on hold any unnecessary travel plans. 

The public is also asked to adopt preventive measures such as washing hands regularly with soapy water for at least 20 seconds. 

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.

As the relevant authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection and management procedures, about 3500 individuals have been tested for the virus.

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