Qatar has temporarily barred people coming from India and 13 other countries as a precautionary measure against the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus.

Besides India, the ban will be applicable to people coming from China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand. It has also suspended flights to and from Italy.

Qatar Airways
A Qatar Airways Airbus A380, the world's largest jetliner touches down at Le Bourget airportReuters

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways on Monday said that it is working closely with the Indian health authorities after reports emerged that passengers infected with coronavirus were on its flight on February 29.

Qatar airways statement

suspected coronavirus case at Mumbai airport
Passengers being screened for coronavirus at an airport

"In relation to reports that passengers with suspected coronavirus were on Qatar Airways flight QR514 Doha to Kochi on February 29, we can confirm that Qatar Airways is working closely with Indian Health Authorities," the statement issued by the airlines clarified.

The number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 43 till Monday, as four more cases were reported from Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Kerala.

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