DUBAI: More countries in the Middle East and the rest of the world are implementing tighter rules on international and domestic travel to strengthen efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Jordan has limited movement even between governorates in order to contain the disease, as UN reported that some refugees have been infected with coronavirus.
Wednesday, March 18 (All times in GMT)
08:14 – Panic buying by British shoppers escalated on Wednesday with shelves stripped bare by alarmed customers hoarding for the coronavirus isolation, prompting Tesco and Sainsbury’s to restrict purchases.
07:44 – The Philippines lifted a deadline for thousands of foreign travelers to leave the northern third of the country, including the capital, after quarantining the region due to an increase in coronavirus infections
07:22 – Taiwanese authorities say all foreigners will be barred from entering Taiwan from Thursday to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. Diplomats, alien resident card holders and those with special entry permits will be allowed in, but must undergo 14 days of quarantine.
06:34 – Oman College of Health Sciences will cancel online studies during the suspension period, a senior administrator said. “Based on the directives of the higher management at the Oman College of Health Sciences, it is decided to cancel remote study through electronic teaching aids during the suspension period, as the school year will be rescheduled and the remainder of the second semester will be moved beyond the study suspension period,” the college administration said in a statement.
06:02 – Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) has suspended the issuance of all permits for business events, covering conferences, exhibitions and meetings, across the emirate until March 31 as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
03:36 – Vietnam reported new case of coronavirus, which is linked to Malaysia’s mosque event, taking country’s tally to 67.
03:28 – Kyrgyzstan has confirmed its first three coronavirus cases, healthcare minister Kosmosbek Cholponbayev said on Wednesday. Three Kyrgyz nationals tested positive after arriving from Saudi Arabia, he told a briefing.
Tuesday, March 17 (All times in GMT)
22:13 – France could stop British travelers from entering the country if Britain fails to lockdown to battle the coronavirus, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said.
22:00 – The UAE’s two major bourses are implementing a tighter limit down cap of listed securities starting Wednesday as a precaution against market volatility because of the coronavirus outbreak.
21:30 – Morocco’s Ministry of Health said there are 6 new infections with COVID-19, bringing the total number to 44.
19:35 – UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention recorded 15 new cases, bringing the total to 113.
17:30 – Egypt’s Ministry of Health recorded 30 new coronavirus cases and two new deaths, which brings tolls to 196 patients and 6 deaths. So far, 26 people have recovered.
