WhatsApp Logo Subscribe
For News Alert

News

Saudi Arabia cordons off virus-hit Qatif region

March 8, 2020 07:06 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Saudi authorities have cordoned off eastern Qatif region in a bid to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus, the interior ministry said Sunday.

"Given that all 11 recorded positive cases of the new coronavirus are from Qatif... it has been decided... to temporarily suspend entry and exit from Qatif," the ministry said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

Qatif is a stronghold of the kingdom's Shia minority, which has strong ties with Shias in Iraq and Iran - the country with the highest coronavirus deaths after the virus epicentre China.

As many as 49 more deaths were reported by Tehran on Sunday, taking the total number of deceased to 194.



Most Read

  1. 26 dead, 60 hurt as BLA suicide bomber wreaks havoc at Quetta Railway Station 26 dead, 60 hurt as BLA suicide bomber wreaks havoc at Quetta Railway Station
  2. PIMS Hospital young doctor’s tortured body recovered PIMS Hospital young doctor’s tortured body recovered
  3. Rauf, Saim help Pakistan crush Australia by 9 wickets in 2nd ODI Rauf, Saim help Pakistan crush Australia by 9 wickets in 2nd ODI
  4. Nadia Khan admits first marriage as 'biggest mistake' Nadia Khan admits first marriage as 'biggest mistake'
  5. Fahad Mustafa’s father clarifies biryani business plan Fahad Mustafa’s father clarifies biryani business plan
  6. PIA privatisation: Overseas Pakistani group 'Al-Nahyang' offers over Rs1.25 trillion PIA privatisation: Overseas Pakistani group 'Al-Nahyang' offers over Rs1.25 trillion