Qatar’s Government Communications Office said Sunday (8)  that in addition to Qatar Airways' announcement regarding flights to and from Italy, entry to Qatar is temporarily suspended for all those intending to travel from certain countries, as of March 9, 2020 including Sri Lanka, The Peninsula Qatar reported. The decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, worldwide. The GCO statement said the decision covers the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand. 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. The statement said the step comes in line with Qatar’s efforts to take all necessary preventive measures to limit the spread. The State of Qatar urges all citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time. The statement said that these precautionary measures may be subject revision on the timely guidance of the national health authorities and international organizations on the spread of coronavirus, in order to ensure safety of all residents.