Qatar bars arrivals from PH, 13 other countries amid coronavirus jitters

MANILA, Philippines — The Qatar government has temporarily barred the entry of travelers from the Philippines and 13 other countries as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

This was announced through an advisory uploaded on the website of the State of Qatar’s government communications office.

“In addition to Qatar Airways announcement regarding flights to and from Italy, entry to the State of Qatar is temporarily suspended for all those intending to travel from certain countries, as of March 9, 2020,” the announcement read.

“The decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide,” it added.

Aside from the Philippines, the temporary suspension of entry to Qatar covers those coming from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand.

The temporary suspension covers “all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit, and temporary visitors,” according to the advisory.

“The State of Qatar urges all citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time,” it said.

“These precautionary measures may be subject to further updates based on the latest guidance of the national health authorities and international organizations on the spread of Coronavirus, in order to ensure the safety of all residents of the State of Qatar,” it added.

The Philippines has so far recorded 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to declare a state of public health emergency on Monday following the recommendation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Duque said the declaration of a state of public health emergency will “facilitate mobilization of resources, ease processes, including procurement of critical logistics and supplies, and intensify reporting.”

GSG