Middle East coronavirus high alert continues with major events cancelled
Governments have asked people to follow precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of the virus.
DUBAI: As Saudi Arabia and Jordan become the latest additions to report corona-virus cases, countries across the Middle East were on high alert as the disease continues to spread around the world.
Governments have asked people to follow precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, including avoiding crowded public spaces.
Live updates below. (All times GMT)
13:14 – Iranian state TV has reported that a lawmaker has called on colleagues to stop contact with the public after cases of coronavirus among MPs rose to 23.
12:52 – Iran announced the increase in the number of cases of coronavirus to 2,336 cases and deaths to 77.
10:00 – Qatari health officials said they have registered a new coronavirus infection, bringing the number of cases to 8.
09:49 – Qatar said that it is cancelling the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition due to coronavirus. It was cancelled after consultations with public health officials and the government, according to a statement on its website.
09:13 – Ukraine health official says coronavirus found in a man who travelled from Italy to Ukraine via Romania.
09:02 – Number of total confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rises to 188.
07:36 – Major concerts and events in the United Arab Emirates have been cancelled or postponed as the coronavirus spreads in the Gulf. This includes the March 5-6 electronic music Ultra festival at Abu Dhabi’s 25,000-capacity Du arena, and the March 21 K-pop concert Music Bank at Dubai’s 17,000-capacity Coca Cola Arena.
[Notice] Postponement of Music Bank in Dubai
We sincerely apologize for not keeping the promise of the concert.
We hope that the COVID-19 crisis will end quickly and sincerely wish you all good health.
Thank you.
🔗 https://t.co/05Mt6ZwyQQ pic.twitter.com/epCDOaTYh0
— MAKESTAR 메이크스타 (@Makestarcorp) March 3, 2020
07:13 – Kuwait’s health ministry said there were no new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours.
06:34 – Bahrain’s Ministry of Health announced that 12 individuals have been given the green light to leave quarantine after completing a preventative mandatory 14-day stay, having tested negative for the coronavirus.
06:26 – Italian media reports that Pope Francis has tested negative for coronavirus.
