New Delhi: Qatar has temporarily banned entry of people coming from India and 13 other countries in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

The temporary ban would also be applicable on people coming from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand.

"This decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide," Qatar government said in a statement dated March 8.

Flagship carrier Qatar Airways has also stopped flights from India, sources said. Qatar Airways operates 102 weekly flights from Doha to 13 Indian cities, including New Delhi.

According to the statement, the temporary suspension of entry would affect all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with residence or work permit, and temporary visitors.

Earlier, Qatar Airways announced temporary suspension of flights to and from Italy, one of the countries worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Other airlines that fly to Qatar, include IndiGo, GoAir and Air India.

There was no immediate statement from the three airlines about the status of their flights.

Meanwhile, Kuwait on Saturday had suspended operations of all flights to and from India and six other countries in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

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Bidar: District In-charge Minister Eshwara Khandre visited the injured in the mysterious explosion that took place in Molakera village of Humnabad taluk and are currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital. The minister visited the hospital this morning and enquired about the health condition of the injured.

Speaking to reporters after the hospital visit, Khandre described the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate. “Yesterday’s explosion in Molakera village is extremely tragic. Four children sustained burn injuries, while two adults were seriously injured. One of them has been shifted to Solapur and the other to Hyderabad for advanced medical treatment,” he said.

He assured that all the injured are receiving proper medical care and that the district administration is closely monitoring their condition. “Doctors have been instructed to provide the best possible treatment to the injured,” the minister said.

Khandre said that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible. “The government has taken this incident very seriously. I met the Chief Minister yesterday and briefed him on the facts of the incident,” he said.

He further announced that the government will bear the entire cost of medical treatment for all the injured. “Strict legal action will be taken against whoever is found responsible after the investigation,” he assured, while appealing to the villagers not to panic