Latest on the situation in the Middle East: More cases, more measures 

- First case in Qatar: The Qatari health ministry on Saturday reported the first case of novel coronavirus infection in the country. The confirmed case is a 36-year-old Qatari man who was among those recently brought home by the Qatari government from Iran, according to a ministry statement.

- Iran onset: The Iranian authorities announced on Saturday that they will forbid people suspected of novel coronavirus infection in Qom from moving out of the city, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The total number of confirmed cases has surged to 593 in the country. On Saturday, the first batch of medical supplies donated by China has arrived, as well as a team of five experts.

- Saudi Arabia's ban: Saudi Arabia announced on Friday the suspension of the entry of Gulf nationals to Mecca and Medina as part of precautionary measures against coronavirus.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement via the Saudi Press Agency that the temporary ban does not cover Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals who have been in the kingdom for 14 consecutive days without showing signs of coronavirus infection and wish to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet's Mosque.