Qatar has temporarily barred travellers from 14 countries including Bangladesh from Monday as a precaution against the rapidly spreading coronavirus, the government announced on Sunday.

In a statement on Sunday, Government Communications Office (GCO) of Qatar said the step comes in line with its efforts to take all necessary preventive measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, reports Gulf Times.

The 13 others countries are: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand, reports the Qatar-based English daily.

The decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) worldwide. The decision affects all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit, and temporary visitors,” GCO said.

The country also urged all citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time.

Qatar Airways had already suspended flights to and from Italy.

Qatar reported three more cases of the virus on Sunday, bringing the total there to 15.