Covid-19 Outbreak In The Middle East -- News Updates February 27, 2020

CNBC: WHO says coronavirus entered Iran ‘undetected,’ warns outbreak could be worse than is known

* The new coronavirus that is rapidly spreading around the world entered Iran, world health officials said Thursday, “unseen and undetected.”
* The virus could be more widespread in the country than is currently known, said Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies program.
* “I suspect this has more to do with surveillance and detection of cases at this point,” Ryan said.

The new coronavirus that is rapidly spreading around the world entered Iran “unseen and undetected,” world health officials said.

Iran, which had just two cases a week ago, confirmed 245 infections as of Thursday morning, but the outbreak could be even more widespread in the country than is currently known, said Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies program.

“This disease came unseen and undetected into Iran, so the extent of infection may be broader than what we may be seeing,” Ryan told reporters at a news conference at the agency’s headquarters in Geneva on Thursday.

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Covid-19 Outbreak In The Middle East -- News Updates February 27, 2020

Iran coronavirus death toll reaches 26, many Friday prayers canceled -- Reuters
Iran reports 245 novel coronavirus cases, 26

deaths -- TASS
Iran bans Chinese citizens from entering the country: IRNA -- Reuters
Kuwait has 43 confirmed cases of coronavirus: health ministry -- Reuters
Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia suspends entry for pilgrims visiting holy sites -- BBC
Saudi Arabia closes two holiest shrines to foreigners as coronavirus fears grow -- The Guardian
Saudi Arabia blocks foreign pilgrims as Japan plans school closure amid coronavirus outbreak -- ABC News Online
Saudi Arabia suspends pilgrimage entry visas over coronavirus fears -- France 24
Iraq reports first coronavirus case in Baghdad, sixth overall -- Reuters
Iraq closes public spaces as first coronavirus case hits capital -- AFP
Israel warns its citizens to avoid ALL international travel over coronavirus fears in unprecedented move -- Daily Mail
Virus response in Mideast tainted by political views of Iran -- AP