By Joanne Serrieh

DUBAI -- Qatar has confirmed 518 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 6,553 on Tuesday, according to the health ministry.

Over 66,000 people have been tested so far in the country with 2,105 over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, 614 people have recovered so far and the death toll reached nine, leaving 5,910 active cases currently undergoing treatment, according to the health ministry.

The first coronavirus case in the country was confirmed on Feb. 27, but the number of cases began to rise more steeply from mid-March onwards, beginning with the announcement of 238 new cases in a single day on March 11.

Many of the cases are believed to be within crowded labor camps for migrant workers, according to media reports. As well as implementing standard restrictions on contact including closing shops and stopping Friday congregational prayers, Qatar has also locked down the “Industrial Area” where many migrant workers are confined. -- Al Arabiya English