Arab Countries React to Coronavirus Crisis

Several Arab countries have tightened restrictions on movement and travel, with the aim of curbing the spread of the Coronavirus, and some have pledged billions of dollars in economic stimulus programs to reduce the economic repercussions of the crisis.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

KSA has taken many preventive measures including:

-The suspension of work in all government departments, except health and security for two weeks.

-The closure of shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants.

-It also announced its intention to pump $13 billion to support the economy, coinciding with an increase in the number of infection cases across the country.

Lebanon

 -Lebanon has announced a two-week lockdown.

- Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad ordered "citizens to remain at home and not go out except out of extreme necessity" until March 29.

-The Beirut international airport will close from Wednesday until then, while no one will be allowed in through maritime or land ports of entry during that period.

-Lebanon has confirmed three Coronavirus death cases, and 99 infection cases, according to Health Ministry.

Qatar

-Qatar joined other Gulf states in preventing foreigners from entering the country.

-It has decided to pump more than $ 20 billion to stimulate the private sector and boost government investment in the local money market.

United Arab of Emirates (UAE)

-The UAE Central Bank has pumped DH100 billion as a stimulus package to offset the slowdown in the economy set off by the coronavirus outbreak

-It closed cinemas, spas, gyms, and parks.

-Health Ministry called on senior citizens in the country, both Emirates and expatriates to stay at home and avoid crowded places to protect themselves against COVID-19.

Oman Sultanate

-The Sultanate of Oman has imposed similar restrictions, including:

- Banning the entry of all non-Omanis to the Sultanate’s territories via all land, sea and airports and checkpoints, except citizens of GCC states.

-  Closing all parks and public play areas.

-  Suspending Friday prayers.

-  Stopping all social gatherings like wedding parties and funeral ceremonies.

Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq

-Morocco decided to create a billion-dollar emergency fund, while Tunisia asked citizens to contribute to a similar fund to help overcome the crisis.

-The Iraqi authorities have imposed a curfew for a week in Baghdad, and for a period of three days in the Karbala governorate.

Egypt

-President Sisi has allocated L.E. 100 billion to fund the anti-Coronavirus strategy and its related precautionary measures.

-The country announced the suspension of schools, and universities for two weeks

-It banned all large community events and gatherings until further notice to prevent the spread of coronavirus.