The Middle East is a region that comprises Egypt, Turkey, and Western Asia. Just like every other region in the globe, the coronavirus has affected the Middle East and its increase of fresh coronavirus cases is raising concerns. The 22 countries in the region have recorded over 1 million cases of coronavirus collectively and over 24000 fatalities. Officials have reported over 75% of fatalities in Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Ahmed Mandhari, the WHO Middle East leader, says that the region surpassing the 1 million mark arose great concerns. He further urges states to strengthen their health systems to enable them to fight the disease effectively.
Ahmed says:
“The number of cases authorities have reported in June alone is higher than the total number of cases they reported during the four months. This is after the first case in the region in January.”
The possible reasons for increased numbers of coronavirus cases might be due to increased testing or easing measures such as lockdowns. As of Wednesday, the number of cases was over 50000 and over 1500 fatalities.
Coronavirus in the Middle East (Iran)
On Monday, Iran recorded one of its highest daily coronavirus fatalities at a death toll of over 160 people. The country has over 200000 coronavirus cases and over 10000 deaths. It eased its restrictive measures as of April to reopen its economy and achieve normalcy.
Coronavirus in Iraq
Initially, Iraq had eased its lockdown measures to open up its economy again. However, after the surge of cases, the health authorities advised Iraq to reimpose its measures and it refused to adhere to the instructions.
Coronavirus in Egypt
Egypt is one of the most populated states in the Middle East territory. It has about 100 million people. The latest statistics say that the country has recorded over 65000 cases of coronavirus and 3000 fatalities. It has reopened its Giza pyramids and resumed its international flight operations to jumpstart the tourism sector.
Coronavirus in Lebanon and Israel
Just like Egypt, Lebanon has also reopened the Beirut airport to encourage people to travel. Due to continuous wars, the country is experiencing an economic crisis and public unrest. There are over 1500 cases of infections and over 30 fatalities. Israel records an increase of over 10% in numbers to over 25000.
Coronavirus in Qatar and Saudi Arabia
The authorities in Qatar have reopened recreational facilities such as beaches and residents are flocking at the beaches observing social distancing. The Qatar government has imposed heavy penalties on anyone found without a face mask in public. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has over 190000 cases of coronavirus and 1700 fatalities.
Mandhari And The World Health Organization Views
The World Health Organization encourages the governments of various states to prepare enough hospital beds and wards or emergency rooms. Mandhari urges people to be careful and to follow the health ministries’ orders.
“Easing of lockdowns does not mean an easing of the response or easing of social responsibilities. Cases could rise as public spaces reopen and even in countries where the situation now seems to be calming.”
The Middle East had also calls for unity of governments to collaborate in the fight against this virus.
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