Egypt on Friday banned the entry of Qatari citizens and passengers, even if they hold a valid residence permit, until further notice in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the spokesperson for the Egyptian Cabinet Nader Saad announced.
The move reciprocates an earlier Qatar decision barring the entry of travelers who hold an Egyptian nationality, and those arriving through intermediate points, even if they carry a valid residence permit in Qatar as part of its own precautionary measures against the coronavirus.
Qatar’s Health Ministry announced its confirmed number of coronavirus cases reached eight on Tuesday.
Egypt announced two cases of coronavirus so far, one of who has recovered and left quarantine.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain initiated a diplomatic boycott against Qatar in May 2017.
In June 2017, the four nations imposed sanctions on Qatar, cutting diplomatic and travel ties, after accusing the country of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, fostering terrorism in the region, and allying with their regional foe Iran – all of which Qatar denied.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
