Kuwait suspends flights to and from Iraq, other countries over coronavirus fears

Kuwait has suspended flights to and from Iraq over coronavirus fears, according to Kuna, the state news agency.

Kuwait’s civil aviation authority later announced on Monday it had suspended all its flights to and from South Korea, Thailand, and Italy.

Iraq had shut its Safwan border crossing with Kuwait to travelers and trade at Kuwait’s request, the local mayor told Reuters on Monday without providing a reason, amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.

Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman all reported their first cases on Monday.

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The Ministry of Health announced on Monday evening that two female passengers arriving from the Iranian city of Mashhad tested positive for the coronavirus. Both patients were aboard the same flight where three infections, including in a Saudi national, were detected earlier today, the ministry said.

All patients were rushed from the airport directly to a hospital specially designed and equipped for receiving coronavirus cases. “They are kept in strict quarantine and under close observation,” according to the statement.

The Ministry urged all citizens and residents to abide by the safety regulations relating to public health.

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