Qatar: Authorities implement additional flight and entry restrictions amid COVID-19 outbreak March 2 /update 6

Event

French diplomatic sources have reported additional flight and entry restrictions being implemented by Qatari authorities as of Monday, March 2. First, authorities have canceled most flights to and from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. In addition, those traveling from China, South Korea, Egypt, Iran and Italy, regardless of nationality, will be placed in quarantine for 14 days in hotel structures provided for this purpose by the Qatari authorities. For example, any French national that has visited one of these five countries during the 14 days preceding their arrival to Qatar is subject to the quarantine. Travelers from Hong Kong and Singapore showing symptoms of the virus will be tested for COVID-19 and will be sent for treatment if diagnosed with the virus. Those who do not wish to remain in Qatar under quarantine have the option to leave via Hamad International Airport (DOH) without delay to the foreign destination of their choice. The list of countries affected by the quarantine requirement is subject to change at any point to other countries affected by COVID-19.

To date, there are 21 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

In the case that symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness emerge either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.