Gulf Nations Impose More Restrictions to Fight Virus Spread

(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar announced more restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus, joining other Gulf countries battling a fresh wave of infections.

The countries announced limits on public gatherings overnight and Kuwait plans to bar foreigners from entering for two weeks. The surge in infections is most acute in the United Arab Emirates, where it's already forced Dubai to reintroduce curbs on hotels and air travel.

© BloombergRising cases have prompted fresh curbs in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia:

Suspends all events and parties, including weddings, corporate meetings in halls, hotels, camps for 30 daysMaximum number of people in gatherings not to exceed 20 for 10 daysSuspends all entertainment activities for 10 daysSuspends dining services in restaurants and cafes for 10 days; limited to takeout deliveries onlyLink to Saudi Press Agency reportSaudi Arabia has already suspended entry of foreigners to the kingdom from 20 countries. Those included in the ban are travelers from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Germany and the U.S.

Kuwait:

Imposes two-week ban on entry of foreigners from Feb. 7Closes all commercial facilities, except pharmacies, medical and food supplying outlets, from 8pm to 5am for a monthCloses all health clubs, resorts and salonsSuspends events in halls and tentsLink to Kuwait News Agency report

Qatar:

Maximum five people allowed to gather indoors and up to 15 people outdoors during visits, funerals and gatheringsWeddings can only be held at home: 10 people allowed indoors and 20 people in open spacesRestaurants to operate at 15% capacity indoors. All restaurants can operate at 50% capacity outdoorsIndoor swimming pools and water parks will be shut, while outdoor ones can operate at 30% capacity

While cases have been rising, inoculation programs have also been picking up. The UAE has one of the highest rates of vaccinations per 100 people and has administered almost 3.7 million shots in a population of about 10 million. Saudi Arabia trails with 1.29 doses per 100 people.

More Than 108 Million Shots Given: Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker

Virus Tracker: Global Cases 104.2 Million; Deaths 2.26 Million

Dubai Closes Bars, Limits Activities After Virus Cases Spike

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