Coronavirus Outbreak; Qatar Evacuates Its Citizens from Iran

Following the outbreak of coronavirus in Iran, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, ordered on Wednesday, the 7th of Esfand, that citizens of his country be evacuated from Iran.

Iranian officials say that so far 19 people have died due to coronavirus infection. The virus has spread to 18 provinces in Iran and infected 139 people.

Simultaneously with the coronavirus outbreak in Iran and its spread to other countries, Qatar and UAE airlines have suspended their flights to and from Iran.

Qatar Airways had previously announced that all Iranian passengers, as well as passengers from South Korea and other countries where cases of this virus have been reported, will be examined at Doha airport and will be quarantined for 14 days.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Doha, Qatar, also advised Iranian citizens to postpone their travel to Qatar in light of these measures.

The Iranian Consulate in Dubai also said that the UAE government’s decision to suspend air and maritime transportation with Iran has caused “uncertainty, concern and confusion” among a large number of Iranian citizens in that country.

The Iranian Consulate in Dubai stated that it has requested the relevant authorities in the UAE government to issue permission for passenger-free flights by Mahan, Iran Air, and Kish Air to the UAE to return these citizens to Iran, but no results have been achieved yet.

Pakistan: Two Coronavirus Cases

Zafar Mirza, Acting Head of Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, also said on Wednesday that two cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in the country.

According to Pakistani media reports, these two infected individuals had recently traveled to Iran.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Pakistan has intensified its measures to combat coronavirus in border areas with Iran.

Confirmation of Three Deaths in Lahijan

The Governor of Lahijan also said that out of seven suspected coronavirus deaths in the city, “three of them have been confirmed by testing.”

Ismail Mirghaznfari asked the people to “stay at home and not go out.”

The Governor of Lahijan also commented on the cause of death of a nurse from Milad Hospital in the city: “The cause of his death has not yet been determined, and if his test is confirmed, the public will be informed.”

According to IRNA, Lahijan has two government hospitals and two private hospitals, with one of the city’s older hospitals designated for isolating patients infected with coronavirus.

In this regard, Iran’s Health Minister announced on Wednesday the implementation of travel restrictions for people suspected of coronavirus infection between cities.

Said Namaki said: Instead of quarantining cities, travel restrictions will be imposed on people suspected of coronavirus infection, and at busy city entrances, Health Ministry teams will be stationed to measure body temperature with digital thermometers and suspected individuals will be stopped.

Iran’s Health Minister also recommended: “I ask all people not to travel. When restrictions are imposed and school closures are implemented for a few days, people should not travel and should not travel from contaminated or non-contaminated areas to other parts of the country.”

Source: Radio Farda