Qatar has been pulling all the stops to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. 

Over the last few days, the country's authorities have taken some highly significant measures to curb the spread of the virus among the population. 

The country 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. 

All these efforts are contributing to building a safer environment for the people of Qatar. 

In a tweet earlier today, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recognized the efforts Qatar has made in suppressing and controlling the spread of the disease in the country. 

Good call with Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, @MOPHQatar. I congratulated her for HH the Emir of ??’s leadership to contain #coronavirus & efforts to implement a comprehensive approach to suppress and control #COVID19.

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 19, 2020

Dr Ghebreyesus said he spoke with Qatar's Minister of Public Health Her Excellency Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari over call and "congratulated her for HH the Emir of [Qatar's] leadership to contain coronavirus & efforts to implement a comprehensive approach to suppress and control COVID-19."

At a WHO briefing yesterday, officials from the world health body underlined the utmost importance for countries to test, isolate and trace new cases to suppress the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, presiding over a meeting with officials from the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management to combat COVID-19, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani directed officials to ensure the provision of necessary services to the people of Qatar.

Among these, he highlighted the immense significance of providing safety and protection to citizens and residents against the virus, with a focus on ensuring the continuity of normal life.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, and 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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Cover Image Credit: Denis Balibouse/Reuters