Bahraini woman becomes first coronavirus death in GCC

Bahraini woman becomes first coronavirus death in GCC
A Bahraini woman on Monday has died from the novel coronavirus.
2 min read
16 March, 2020
Bahrain has seen its first death of coronavirus [Getty]
A Bahraini woman became the first coronavirus fatality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the health ministry said on Monday, as the virus sweeps through the world causing havoc and disruption in its way.

The 65-year-old woman who died had pre-existing medical conditions, the ministry said on Twitter, as over 1,000 cases of the virus are recorded in the six GCC nations.

Most of those affected by corona in the GCC have returned from Iran, where over 700 people have died since the outbreak began.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman have taken drastic measures to combat the pandemic.

Kuwait announced a lockdown of the country on the weekend in a bid to control the virus.

Facing a mounting public health crisis, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman have taken drastic measures to combat the pandemic.

Gulf countries have shut down cinemas and other entertainment centres - some even closing gyms and spas.

Kuwait has taken the strictest measures in the GCC by largely locking down the country over the weekend.

Saudi Arabia has also told public sector staff to work from home, while only pharmacies and food stores will be open in malls.

Other countries in the Gulf have announced the closure of public events and spaces in a bid to control the spread.

Companies across the Gulf have introduced remote working and schools have been cancelled.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to stay connected