Qatar, U.A.E. Lead Gulf Region in New Coronavirus Cases

(Bloomberg) --

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reported their biggest daily jump in coronavirus cases on Tuesday after the World Health Organization attributed the increased numbers in the Gulf to “active outreach and increased testing.”

New infections in Qatar remained above 1,000 for the fifth day, while total cases in Saudi Arabia, the biggest Arab economy, rose to about 43,000.

“We are seeing an increase, and this is particularly relevant for the Gulf countries, as there’s been an increase in the testing capacity,” Richard Brennan, WHO’s regional emergency director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said on a conference call on Tuesday. “Associated with that, there’s been an active outreach to the community members to encourage them to be tested.”

Tuesday numbers:

• Saudi Arabia: 1,911 cases
  • Total 42,925, including 264 deaths
• Qatar: 1,526 cases
  • Total 25,149, including 14 deaths
• Kuwait: 991 cases
  • Total 10,277, including 75 deaths
• U.A.E.: 783 cases
  • Total 19,661, including 203 deaths
• Coronavirus Tracker: Global Cases 4.24 Million; Deaths 288,399

Countries and cities in the Middle East have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on people’s movement. Dubai, whose population comprises about 90% foreigners, last month eased a 24-hour lockdown after almost three weeks. Kuwait imposed a full curfew starting May 10 for 20 days to contain the spread of the virus.

Dubai plans to allow malls to open for longer and continue to let offices to operate with reduced staff numbers once the Islamic holy month Ramadan ends in May, The National reported, citing government plans. Stores will continue to operate at 30% of their capacity in terms of staff and customer numbers, it said.

Iran has the biggest number of confirmed cases in the Middle East with over 110,000 infections and 6,733 deaths.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.