Saudi Arabia announces temporary lockdown of Qatif region

Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced a temporary lockdown of its eastern Qatif region, home to a large Shi'ite Muslim population, due to a coronavirus outbreak.

State media reported that no one would be allowed to enter or exit Qatif and local authorities will suspend work in all public and private sectors in the region, except vital institutions.

Commercial supplies will be kept flowing to the region, with proper precautions, according to the report.

It came after the kingdom suspended classes at schools, universities and various educational institutions in Qatif on Saturday. 

So far, 11 coronavirus infections have been reported in Saudi Arabia.