Saudi Arabia locks down Qatif to curb coronavirus spread

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary lockdown on Qatif, an eastern Shi'ite stronghold of around 500,000 people, to curb the spread of coronavirus.

This action is the first of its kind in the Gulf region, which has confirmed over 230 cases, many linked to travel to Iran.

Entry and exit to Qatif are prohibited, with all government and private institutions suspending operations except for essential services like pharmacies and gas stations.

Commercial supplies will continue to reach the province, and the government stated the lockdown is temporary.

The kingdom has also suspended air and sea travel to nine countries including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, South Korea, Egypt, Italy, and Iraq.

All public and private universities and schools across the country have been closed from Monday until further notice.

Saudi Arabia has suspended the 'umrah' year-round pilgrimage and may also cancel the annual hajj pilgrimage.

The country is also dealing with a coronavirus-induced slump in oil prices.