By Tamara Abueish

DUBAI -- Qatar confirmed 197 new cases in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of infections in the country to 3,428, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday.

The total number of people currently undergoing treatment in the country is 3,048, the ministry said. Seven people have died from the coronavirus in Qatar so far.

In the last 24 hours, 39 people have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 373.

The ministry said 52,622 tests have been conducted in the country so far.

Qatar has closed all non-vital businesses until further notice as part of the country’s efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Vital sectors like supermarkets and pharmacies remain open.

The government also shut down all shops and bank branches in shopping malls, except for food stores and pharmacies, in addition to closing down part of the Industrial Area.

Mosques and communal religious prayers, including Friday prayers, have also been suspended. -- Al Arabiya English