MANILA - Kuwait has suspended flights to and from 7 countries including the Philippines beginning Friday, March 6, as a measure to prevent the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Under Kuwait's Circular No. 27, the suspension covers the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt and will be in effect for a week.

"All arrivals in the State of Kuwait from any nationality who have a valid residency or previous entry visa, as well as those from other airports who were present in the countries mentioned above during the past two weeks, are prohibited," the Circular said.

Kuwait citizens coming from the 7 countries are allowed to enter provided that necessary quarantine procedures are applied to them.

Kuwait said suspension of flights to and from Kuwait International Airport was made pursuant to the decision issued by health authorities.

As of Friday, Kuwait has recorded 58 cases of COVID-19 infection.