Bahrain reported the Gulfs first death from the new coronavirus on Monday, as the total number of confirmed infections in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stood at 965. The deceased woman was a 65-year-old Bahraini citizen who had underlying health conditions, the health ministry said on Twitter. Bahrain has reported 214 cases of the COVID-19 disease so far. Many cases in the Gulf are linked to travel with Iran, which on Sunday raised its toll to 724 dead and more than 13,900 infected. Dozens of Bahrains cases were confirmed among citizens evacuated from Iran on flights chartered by Bahraini authorities last week. Facing a mounting public health threat, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman have taken drastic measures to combat the pandemic. Saudi Arabia closed public spaces on Sunday and announced a pause in most government operations.