The epidemiology and infection experts, who are members in the National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases, stressed that the preventive and therapeutic procedures applied to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the Kingdom are sufficient and meet the international requirements. They reassured citizens that there is no need to take additional procedures, such as preventing gatherings in various occasions, markets and public places.
The experts noted that any developments about the virus will be handled in accordance with the globally-adopted medical norms, which are closely monitored by the health centers in the Kingdom.
The committee, which comprises all health sectors in the Kingdom, held a press conference this morning at the MOH Headquarter, during which it noted that nearly 18,000 contacts and suspected cases were tested since the outbreak of the virus in September 2012, of whom 189 cases were tested positive.
The committee added that the large number of Coronavirus cases in the Kingdom can be attributed to the use of modern medical equipments and devices by the state to diagnose and early detect the virus.
Furthermore, the committee pointed out that procedure of dealing with patients and contacts are being intensified to control the virus in Jeddah province, where the number of affected contacts witnessed decline, all praise be to Allah. This step seeks to avoid further infections in the Saudi society through focusing on sterilization, easing the pressure on hospitals, and referring patients to other facilities. The committee highlighted also that some 500 to 800 suspected cases were tested in Jeddah province during the past period, bringing the total number to 1,300 cases.
Answering a question on the link between camels and Coronavirus, the committee confirmed that the studies that were conducted in Amman, Canary Islands, Egypt, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have demonstrated
that camels have antibodies against the virus. However, the World Organization for Animal Health has not made any official statement or issued any recommendations in this regard.