Bahrain, Kuwait announce first coronavirus cases: state media

Iraq closes border crossing with Kuwait amid coronavirus spread

Bahrain  and Kuwait have confirmed their first cases of coronavirus, both of their state news agencies have reported.

Bahrain confirmed one case, a citizen arriving from Iran, the state news agency reported, citing the health ministry. Meanwhile, Kuwait had three cases, the state news agency KUNA reported, citing the ministry of health.

Iraq has shut its Safwan border crossing with Kuwait to travellers and trade at Kuwait's request, the local mayor has told Reuters news agency without providing a reason.

Kuwait said on Monday three people, including a Saudi national, who returned from Iran were infected by the new coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Iraq extended on Saturday an entry ban for any non-Iraqis coming from Iran, which has so far said it had confirmed 43 cases and eight deaths.


READ: Eight Death Toll, 43 Cases, Pakistan, Turkey, Others Close Border With Iran