The committee concerned with following up on the status of the novel coronavirus held its 25th meeting, today (Sunday) afternoon. Chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, the meeting was attended by the committee members, who represent the relevant government sectors. The committee reviewed all reports and the latest developments. It discussed the epidemiological situation globally, as well as the cases reported locally. It stressed that all precautionary measures carried out at all points of entry will continue fully and will be further be enhanced.
MOH spokesperson, Dr. Muhammad al-Abdulaali said that there are 156,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, reported in 149 countries around the world, of which 74,000 recovered, and 5,800 deaths.
So far, said al-Abdulaali, the Kingdom has reported 103 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 3 cases recovered and the remaining cases (100) are quarantined, receiving the necessary medical care and are in good health. The patient in the ICU is improving. The recorded cases (48 males and 55 females) are adults at an average age of 50 years except two children. These cases include 48 Saudis and 55 non-Saudis, of which 48 cases from Egypt, Bahrain 2, America 2, Lebanon 1, Bangladesh 1, and France 1. Most of these cases (85 cases) contracted the virus while traveling to countries where the virus spread and 18 cases got infected as a result of contact with previously announced confirmed cases.
He added that more than 670,000 passengers have been examined at the Kingdom's ports, pointing out that, since the announcement of the first positive case in the Kingdom, the 937 Service Center received more than 150,000 calls about COVID-19. He advised everyone to abide by the following safety tips, avoiding handshakes, washing hands with soap and water, avoiding gatherings and isolating arrivals from outside the Kingdom for 14 days. "Everyone who has coronavirus symptoms, or has an inquiry is welcomed to call our 937 Center, 24/7", he added.