Under the chairmanship of His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, the National Scientific Committee for Contagious Diseases and the National Scientific Committee for Infection Control, including representatives from the Ministries of (Defense, Education, Interior, Higher Education and Health), as well as representatives from the National Guard, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center General Organization and the Saudi Aramco Company have met today (Friday) 17th May, 2013 (corresponding to 7th Rajab, 1434 H); in order to discuss the latest news of the novel Coronavirus disease. Within the same vein, the Committee has given a look at the report of the visit paid by His Excellency Dr. AL-Rabeeah, the leaders of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and specialists to Al-Ahsa Governorate, in addition to the WHO experts’ visit.
The committees have confirmed that the infected cases, thanks to Allah, are limited, and the actions carried out by MOH to control the spread of this virus are in line with the scientific and global standards. Also, the committees noticed that the cases recorded in Al-Ahsa, thanks to Allah, have begun to decrease.
Moreover, the National Scientific Committee for ContagiousDiseases and the National Scientific Committee for Infection Control have declared that the transmission ways of this virus and its source are still unknown, and there is no medicine or vaccine for it. However, efforts are being exerted to access more information about this virus at all scientific levels within the Kingdom and worldwide.
The committees have further pointed out that all health sectors in this beloved country work together, to ensure the health and safety of citizens and residents, and follow the guidelines issued by MOH, the National Scientific Committee for ContagiousDiseases and the National Scientific Committee for Infection Control.
It is noteworthy,the committees have underscored the MOH recommendations of following the general guidelines of personal hygiene, especially when coughing and sneezing, washing hands, and avoiding direct contact with the infected and suspected cases. The committees also warned not to be misled by rumors and news issued by non-state entities, pointing out that, the approved information, recommendations and guidelines, according to regulations, are issued only by the Ministry of Health.
The Committees have indicated that there is no intention to impose restrictions on schools because of the lack of scientific evidences to justify taking such an action, and the same will be the case with respect to the Hajj and Umrah seasons
Finally, the committees have called upon all not to worry and not to publish false information that would mislead the public opinion and adversely affects the credibility of the reports of official authorities in this beloved country through scientific and other forums. It did not escape the committees’ notice to pray for Almighty Allah to preserve these countries, their citizens and all those who live on their pure lands.