COVID-19 outbreak: Qatar suspends travel to and from 14 countries including Pakistan

Decision taken as preventative measure to stop spread of COVID-19

KARACHI: In a bid to contain novel coronavirus outbreak, Qatar has temporarily suspended travel to and from 14 countries including Pakistan.

The countries include Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand.

A statement by the Arab country's Government Comminication Officer said decision came in addition to Qatar Airways suspending flights to and from Italy as "a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide".

"The decision affects all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit, and temporary visitors," said the press release.

Doha has urged "all citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time."

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