WATCH: United in the fight against COVID-19 - We Are Qatar

This year the world faces a unique health challenge in the face of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The infectious disease that was first found in the Chinese city of Wuhan quickly grew out of the city, tightening its grip on the world.

As of now, more than 425,000 individuals in over 190 countries are said to have been affected by the disease, making it a pandemic. 

Qatar began its fight against COVID-19 well in advance. Starting from thermal screening at its entry points (airport and seaport) to setting up a medical clinic at Hamad International Airport (HIA) to examine any suspected cases. 

As always, keeping the health and safety at the heart of all their efforts, the relevant authorities in the country were galvanized into laying out a series of measures to safeguard the health of the wider population.

These steps included the cancellation of all incoming flights to the country for a period of two weeks as well as the closure of cinemas, theatres, children’s play areas, gyms, and wedding venues, including those in hotels.

The country also announced the closure of all the mosques across Qatar.

Amid these temporary preventive measures, those on the front lines of the battle, particularly the country's health care workers, have been working around the clock to contain the spread of the disease. 

In addition to utilizing and building facilities for treatment, and management of COVID-19 patients, the authorities have also been constantly in communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other regional health officials to beat the virus. 

While raising awareness on the disease and encouraging the public to protect themselves and their community, Qatar has also been actively involved in desensitizing and cleaning all outdoor surfaces including roads.

The country has reiterated time and again that it is well-stocked for any emergency and based on its experience of the blockade, it is strong enough to defeat any challenge that comes in its way.

Distance learning and work from home have emerged as some of the most impressive trends in the country, leading to a safer, more-aware and proactive society.

With this, officials continue to stress the importance of social distancing and allowing the healthcare system to cope with the emerging disease. 

We, at Qatar Living, remind our community of our resilience as a nation. We emerged stronger through the blockade, by beating the odds, and we are confident that we will endure and rise above this challenge too.

Stay home and stay safe!

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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