As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to take a toll on countries outside China, particularly Iran, where the number of fatalities has reached 26, Qatar has augmented its precautionary measures to tackle the infection.

Iran's Ministry of Health announces that the number of deaths in the country from the new coronavirus has risen to 26, and the number of infected people has risen to 245. #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) February 27, 2020

In a statement yesterday, Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) confirmed there are no reported cases of the COVID-19 in Qatar and that the risk of the virus affecting people in Qatar remains minimal.

In another move to ensure the safety of Qatari citizens and the people of its sisterly nation Kuwait, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has issued directives to evacuate all Qataris and Kuwaitis from Iran.

HH the Amir has issued directives to evacuate the citizens of the State of Qatar and citizens of the sisterly State of Kuwait, who are currently in Iran, due to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). #QNA pic.twitter.com/XOHaxTjmWR

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) February 26, 2020

The order adds to Qatar’s efforts focused on monitoring its entry-points, using advanced detection procedures, and increasing the level of its preparedness if any such case is reported.

Earlier this week, Qatar Airways (QA) announced a temporary hold and schedule adjustments in flights to Iran as well as South Korea.

World Health Organization (WHO) announced that there are now more new cases of the coronavirus reported each day outside China than inside the hardest-hit country. #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) February 27, 2020

Additionally, all incoming passengers from Iran and South Korea whose final destination is Doha and are showing no symptoms of the virus will be asked to stay in home isolation or a quarantine facility for 14 days.

"Passengers arriving from those countries who are showing symptoms will be transferred to the Communicable Disease Centre at the Hamad Medical Corporation," the airline stated.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

Source: QNA

Cover Image Credit: Al-Monitor