Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In The Middle East -- News Updates March 18, 2020

Arab News: Middle East coronavirus cases continue to rise

DUBAI: Middle East countries are reporting a higher number of coronavirus cases, with Iran recording its single biggest jump in deaths during the past 24 hours, as the rest world experiencing similar bleak scenarios. Countries are implementing tighter rules on international and domestic travel to strengthen efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Jordan has limited movement even between governorates in order to contain the disease, as UN reported that some refugees have been infected with coronavirus.

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Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In The Middle East -- News Updates March 18, 2020

Virus death toll spikes in Iran, with total now at 1,135 -- AP
Coronavirus: Iran told to take threat seriously as death toll passes 1,000 -- BBC
Iran's Rouhani defends virus response despite no lockdown -- AFP
Iran defends response as virus deaths surpass 1,000 -- Al Jazeera
Inside Iran's coronavirus outbreak, residents say it's worse than official figures reveal -- ABC News Online
Iran faces catastrophic death toll from coronavirus -- DW
Iran's supreme leader to pardon 10,000 prisoners, including political ones -- Reuters
Iraqi Shiite pilgrims defy curfews and coronavirus -- AFP
Turkey announces a second coronavirus death, cases jump to 191 -- Reuters
Erdogan advises Turks to stay home, acts to boost economy against coronavirus -- Reuters
Turkey announces first coronavirus death amid jump in cases -- Al Jazeera
Turkey 'will shut border with Greece because of coronavirus fears, after opening it to refugees hoping to reach Europe' -- Daily Mail
War-torn Yemen gears up for coronavirus battle -- Al Jazeera
Israel slaps virus closure on Palestinian-ruled areas of West Bank -- AFP
Israel closes borders to all non-resident foreigners as cases spike 40 percent in one day -- RT
Netanyahu threatens Israeli lockdown orders in coronavirus crisis -- Reuters
Coronavirus: Israel enables emergency spy powers -- BBC
Israel enables spy power to track people suspected of having coronavirus -- ABC News Online
Saudi Arabia urges G20 virtual talk on coronavirus, shuts mosques -- Al Jazeera
UAE bars entry to visitors over coronavirus, Saudis limit private sector work -- Reuters