[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Middle East region is becoming serious.
According to the official tally by Middle Eastern health authorities on the 28th (local time), Iran confirmed 388 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 143 from the previous day.
The total number of confirmed cases in nine countries, including Iran, Kuwait (45), and Bahrain (36), has risen to 509.
In Iran, 8 more people died on the same day, bringing the total death toll to 34.
Most of the newly confirmed cases in neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Oman were found to have either traveled to Iran or were recent Iranian arrivals.
Accordingly, Qatar evacuated all its citizens staying in Iran by special flight on the same day. They are scheduled to be quarantined for 14 days in Doha.
Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sports Council has suspended the UAE Tour, an international cycling competition currently underway in Abu Dhabi.
As two Italian nationals among the participating athletes tested positive for COVID-19, the remaining schedule was canceled, and the athlete with the best performance so far was declared the winner.
British 'cycling emperor' Chris Froome, who recovered from a serious injury sustained during practice last year and was participating in his first international competition, was also included among those tested for infection.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
