Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In Middle East -- News Updates March 30 - 31, 2020

Arab News: Worsening coronavirus crisis seen as Turkey’s self-inflicted injury

* Govt. accused of wasting time before taking measures to halt transmission of deadly infection
* Outbreak raises pressure on economy burdened with weak currency and high debt levels

ANKARA: Since January, as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections seeped out of China’s borders and into the world at large, many countries were caught napping.

A few among of them chose a policy of denial until the facts could no longer be concealed. Turkey is a tragic case in point.

To be sure, in recent weeks the government has adopted sweeping measures aimed at halting the transmission of the virus.

It has shut restaurants and schools, halted prayers in mosques, suspended sporting activities, restricted intercity bus travel and stopped all international flights to or from Turkey.

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Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic In Middle East -- News Updates March 30 - 31, 2020

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Iran virus cases top 40,000 -- AFP
Prison riot in southern Iran over coronavirus fears -- Al Jazeera
Syria reports first coronavirus death as fears grow that virus could spread -- France 24
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Most Iraqis coming from Syria carry coronavirus, warns official -- Middle East Monitor
In Iraq, no resting place for coronavirus dead -- AFP
Iraq's healthcare system to be challenged by coronavirus: Doctors -- Al Jazeera
Saudi Arabia confirms 154 new coronavirus cases -- Arab News
Saudi king offers to pay for coronavirus patients' treatment -- Al Jazeera
Israel's Netanyahu tests negative for coronavirus, remains in isolation -- France 24