Coronavirus spreading in Qatar, cases rise to 18

By Ahmed Yusuf

DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Qatar's Health Ministry confirmed on Monday three new cases infected with the novel coronavirus, raising the total number of cases in the country to 18.

On Sunday, Qatar announced it temporarily banned the entry of travelers from 14 countries due to concerns over the novel coronavirus.

The ban covers Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Thailand.

Qataris were also called on not to visit these countries unless it is absolutely necessary.

The global death toll from the virus is around 3,800, with more than 109,000 confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, governments have closed borders and suspended land and air travel with the worst-hit countries including China, Iran and Italy.

After declaring the outbreak an international health emergency in January, the WHO last month updated the global risk level to very high.