Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Qatar confirmed 13 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, taking the total number of infections in the country to 562, Qatar News Agency reported, citing a statement from the Ministry of Public Health.

The total number of people tested for COVID-19 by the ministry has now reached 14,845, the statement added.

Some of the newly detected cases are linked to travelers who come to Qatar recently while others are related to contacts with the already infected people. All of them have been put into quarantine and receiving the necessary medical care,” according to the QNA report.

The ministry called on people to follow basic preventive measures such as washing hands regularly and properly or use hand sanitizers. People are also strongly advised not to touch their nose, mouth and eyes outside the home, to avoid visiting the elderly and not leaving the house except for when absolutely necessary. People should also avoid shaking hands or kissing, and keep a distance of not less than one meter from other people, especially people who show symptoms.

Meanwhile, all non-vital businesses, except vital sectors like supermarkets and pharmacies, in the country came to a halt on Friday until further notice as part of the country’s efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.