Qatar Industrial Area lockdown update

A statement released by the Qatari government stated that it is working closely with employers in the country to ensure the welfare and medical needs of the residents are met.

More than 480 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Qatar- the highest number among the six Gulf Arab states which have reported a total of more than 1,300 coronavirus cases. There has been no death in the country so far.

A majority of Qatar's cases have been located in the old industrial zone, a commercial hub outside capital Doha where many of its migrant workers live. The area is under complete lockdown since last week to check the outbreak.

Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) said in a statement that in the quarantined area, individuals are being seen by doctors and medical personnel, with regular testing and monitoring for all individuals.

On Friday, The Guardian newspaper reported that Qatar's migrant workers were living in a "virtual prison" where they were held in "an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty". Police are guarding the perimeter of a huge zone within the “Industrial Area”,

Qatari authorities, however, said they are making every effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and protect its residents, including millions of expatriate workers.

Qatar said all its residents or visitors who have confirmed or are potential cases of COVID-19 since March 16 have been placed in quarantine and are receiving medical care and accommodation under the direction of its Ministry of Public Health.