Coronavirus cases in the Gulf Arab region surpass 100,000

Saudi Arabia, the largest Gulf state with a population of some 30 million, has the highest count at 41,014 infections and 255 deaths

Reuters

11 May, 2020, 07:15 pm

Last modified: 11 May, 2020, 07:17 pm

FILE PHOTO: People walk outside Dubai mall after the UAE government eased a curfew and allowed stores to open, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 3, 2020. REUTERS/Abdel Hadi Ramahi

The number of coronavirus cases in the six Gulf Arab states surpassed 100,000 on Monday, with 557 deaths, according to Reuters calculations based on official figures.

Coronavirus cases in the energy producing region had initially been linked to travel. But despite taking early measures to combat the virus Gulf states have seen a spread of the virus among low-income migrant workers living in cramped quarters, prompting authorities to ramp up testing.

Saudi Arabia, the largest Gulf state with a population of some 30 million, has the highest count at 41,014 infections and 255 deaths. It recorded 1,966 new cases and nine new deaths on Monday.

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.