Coronavirus infections soar due to a "dangerous and alarming" surge in Delta variant cases, officials say, prompting government to halt economic activity – including shops, markets, transportation and offices – which will shut down by Thursday.
Qatar has faced criticism for its treatment of migrant workers, many of whom are involved in preparations for the World Cup, with rights groups accusing employers of exploitation and forcing laborers to work in dangerous conditions.
The nation of 5.7 million people has more than 35,000 coronavirus cases, one of the largest numbers in Asia, largely due to infections in cramped, bunk-bed accommodation that house more than 300,000 mostly South Asian workers.
A special assistant to Pakistan's PM Imran Khan says number of people testing positive after return from UAE was "higher than we were hoping"; around 12% tested positive on most flights with the number rising to between 40-50% on a couple of flights.