Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In The Middle East -- March 16, 2020

Daily Mail: Coronavirus could overwhelm hospitals and facilities in Iran warns top government official after record 113 deaths and 1,209 new cases in 24 hours brings total to 724 deaths and 13,938 infected

* The death toll in Iran has now risen to 724 in total with 13,338 confirmed cases
* A leading official has admitted the coronavirus could overwhelm Iran's hospitals
* The past 24 hours saw 113 people die of the virus, the most in a single day in Iran
* Meanwhile, several other nations have implemented travel bans to tackle virus
* Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

A leading Iranian official has admitted that hospitals in the country could be overwhelmed by the coronavirus after a record 113 deaths and 1,209 new cases were reported in just 24 hours.

It was the first time that more than 100 people had died from the virus in a single day in the Islamic nation.

In total, 724 people have died in Iran and there are 13,338 confirmed cases, though questions about the government's transparency suggest the real figure could be even higher.

Now, Ali Reza Zali, who is leading Iran's official campaign against the outbreak, has admitted Iran could run out of hospital beds.

He told the state-run IRNA news agency: 'If the trend continues, there will not be enough capacity.'

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Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In The Middle East -- March 16, 2020

Iran's coronavirus death toll jumps by 113 in a day -- Al Jazeera
Iran reports more than 100 new virus deaths as fears mount -- AP
Lebanon 'to declare state of medical emergency' over coronavirus -- Al Jazeera
Israel takes step toward monitoring phones of virus patients -- AP
Israel to use counterterror tools to track quarantine breakers -- DW
Qatar suspends incoming flights for preliminary two-week period -- Al Jazeera
Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque shut as precaution against coronavirus -- Al Jazeera
Saudi Arabia restricts movement, other Gulf states limit entry as coronavirus spreads -- Reuters
Saudi crown prince, UK's PM discuss cutting coronavirus economic impact -- Reuters
Coronavirus in Gulf states: No warm greetings, no mosque prayers -- Al Jazeea