The novel Coronavirus has infected hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, while the fatalities are tens of thousands.

On March 11 it was declared as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). With all of the latest news and updates of events cancellations, suspension of schools, ‘work from home’ model and strong attention to health precautions, it’s natural that people may wonder what is currently happening in Qatar. This is what you need to know.

1. Coronavirus cases in Qatar are currently 7,141 with 10 fatalities. More than 70,000 people have been tested and 62 have recovered.

2. The country has closed schools, nurseries, universities. Gyms and pools are also closed.

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3. Bars and clubs are closed. Restaurants and cafes are only open for take-away.

4. Public transportation is suspended until further notice.

5. Major events are cancelled.

6. All incoming flights to Doha will be suspended starting on Wednesday evening, 18 March, for the period of 14 days, with the exception of air cargo and transit flights.

7. Qatar Foundation announced work from home, along with closing public places until further notice. For more information, click here.

8. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment decided to close the children’s play area in the parks, in an effort to take all necessary measures and precautions and ensure the safety and health of visitors.

9. All public gatherings are now prohibited.

10. All beaches and parks in Qatar are closed.

Implementation of resolutions related to the economic and financial sector, as follows:

First Resolution – Directing His Highness to support and provide financial and economic incentives amounting to 75 billion Qatari riyals to the private sector.

Second Resolution – for the central bank to put in place the appropriate mechanism to encourage banks to postpone loan installments and obligations of the private sector with a grace period of six months.

Third Resolution – directing Qatar Development Bank to postpone the installments of all borrowers for a period of six months.

Fourth Resolution – Directing government funds to increase their investments in the stock exchange by 10 billion riyals.

Fifth Resolution – The Central Bank to provide additional liquidity to banks operating in the country.

Sixth Resolution: Exempting food and medical goods from customs duties for a period of six months, provided that this is reflected in the selling price to the consumer.

Seventh Resolution – Exempting the following sectors from electricity and water fees for a period of six months:
Hospitality and tourism sector
Retail sector
Small and medium industries sector
Commercial complexes in exchange for providing services and exemptions to tenants
Logistics areas

Eighth Resolution – Exemption from rents for the logistical areas and small and medium industries for a period of six months, thus ending the package of decisions that were directed today.

It’s important to highlight that Qatar has all facilities and medical capabilities to control the situation.

The Ministry of Public Health urges all citizens and residents to apply preventive measures to protect against infection.

@MOPHQatar urges all citizens and residents to apply preventive measures to protect against infection and to contact the ministry’s Coronavirus call centre for the latest information regarding the virus using the toll-free phone number (16000). pic.twitter.com/GM0FGXY9u9

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) March 10, 2020

Useful Charts That Explain What Is Happening Worldwide

Remember To:

1. Take care of yourself. Boost your immune system, drink a lot of water, stay active, avoid public gatherings, eat healthy and do not eat undercooked food.

2. Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds and avoid unnecessary contact with people (handshakes for example).

A very interesting read is this: https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca

And this to get fully informed about infections per country: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Stay Safe 🙂