Within the framework of the transparency principle adopted by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and as part of its epidemiological surveillance and desire to keep everyone aware of the latest developments of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERC-CoV), the Ministry would like to state that some regions in the Kingdom are still recording sporadic cases of Coronavirus infections.
"Since the beginning of this month (February), 11 Coronavirus cases were recorded, 2 in Al-Hafouf, 1 in Dammam, 2 in Al-Kharj, 5 in Riyadh and 1 in Najran," said the ministry, adding that none of the said cases were infected with the virus from hospitals. Also, the ministry expected the number of cases with respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus, to increase during the coming period due to unstable weather.
The MOH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other concerned bodies, continues application of all precautionary and preventive measures needed to deal with the virus through the MOH's Command and Control Center (CCC). This comes as part of the ministry's endeavors to maintain health and safety of all members of the Saudi society, Allah willing.
The MOH underlined the importance of prevention of infection and advised citizens and residents to adopt the following practices: Washing hands with water and soap, avoiding contact with Coronavirus cases, refraining from touching eyes or the nose, coughing in a tissue or putting your arm on the mouth when sneezing and then washing hands and the arm thoroughly, avoiding close contact with camels infected with respiratory symptoms and abiding by preventive measures when dealing with them.
"Every one, especially those with chronic diseases, should avoid direct contact with camels or taking non-boiled or pasteurized dairy products; that's to be added to adopting healthy habits in general," the ministry advised.
It also called on all health professionals to abide by regulations, apply preventive measures, adopt basics of infection control, comply with procedures of sorting respiratory cases at emergency sections and use personal protection equipment according to instructions sent by the MOH's Command and Control Center.
It is noteworthy that the total number of Coronavirus cases, now receiving treatment at hospitals, amounted to 15, including 11 cases recorded since the beginning of this month. The ministry wished them a speedy recovery.