After surprise inspections by Qatar officials, a total of 47 food establishments in the country were ordered to be closed in the month of March, due to non-compliance of precautionary measures set by the government to curb coronavirus (Covid-19) spread.

The intensive inspections were conducted by the Health Control Section of the Municipal Control Department, Doha Municipality.

According to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the relevant authorities have inspected 2,224 in various localities under Doha Municipality's command during March.

The inspectors issued notices demanding corrective measures to 132 establishments for violating Law No 8 of 1990 for human food control and its amendments.

The food outlets were closed due to:

• Unsanitized food preparation
• Commercial licenses violations
• No health certificates or expired documents for employees

The local officials ensured that all food establishments would comply with health requirements and prevent any worker to report for duty when showing symptoms of Covid-19.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the inspectors initiated the mandatory checking of food outlets in Qatar. They distributed awareness posters and brochures to prevent virus transmission.

In Al Khor and Al Thakhira municipalities, restaurants and bakeries were inspected by the Health Control Section of the Municipal Control Department at evening time. The workers were required to wear gloves and masks and adhere to safety rules. Health certificates of the employees were also checked. Officials also examined the fish market and daily auction places.

A yard for local agricultural products in Al Sheehaniya Municipality was included in the list of inspected areas. The inspectors ensured the business' compliance to hygiene procedures and its products' quality.

In Umm Salal Municipality, the same inspection and awareness campaign was carried out at food establishments.

A restaurant in Al Wakra was also closed due to violations on health standards, including offering food items unfit for human consumption. In this area, the veterinarians of the Health Control Section also examined five tonnes of fish and disposed 20kg of such in the market for causing possible harm to the people.