HE Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, has extended his thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his great support to combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the Kingdom. He also thanked HRH Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, for his thorough follow-up and support to the health sector, and all other government sectors. Prince Muhammad closely watches the developments of this crisis, and continuously communicates to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, making their safety his top priority.
"In this time of crisis, we are seeing great harmony between government sectors to achieve the highest levels of safety, and protect everyone from this virus, thanks to the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince,” Al-Rabiah said. He also extended his thanks and appreciation to the companies and individuals who made contributions to the “Coronavirus Fight Fund” under the umbrella of the Health Endowment Fund. He noted that the financial and in-kind contributions that amounted to about SAR 1 billion, were significant.
Al-Rabiah added that the energy system has contributed more than SAR 500 million, and Saudi banks about SAR 160 million. Several companies and individuals have also contributed large sums. He expressed his gratitude towards everyone who has offered help.
Over the past week, Al-Rabiah added, there have been major increases in the number of confirmed cases. “We are facing a major challenge, and we are part of the world that is living through this difficult time against the Coronavirus. The number of infected cases has almost doubled in one week, and this reflects the magnitude and difficulty of this challenge. It obliges everyone to adhere to the needed precautions,” he explained.
The Minister called upon everyone to adhere to the safety measures and stay home, unless it is absolutely crucial to go outside. “We are all in the same boat. If we all do what we must do, we will be safe. This is a great challenge, and addressing it correctly will ensure national health safety. Everyone should show a sense of responsibility,” he said.
He highlighted that the number of cases has recently increased in workers’ housing, calling upon the supervisors of these buildings and the companies responsible for them to apply the tightest precautionary measures. “The committee led by HE Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and HE Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources is making great efforts that must be acknowledged, and the private sector must support the Kingdom in taking the necessary safety measures in workers’ housing,” he added.
Al-Rabiah pointed out that overcrowded neighborhoods see an increased number of cases. He urged citizens living in these neighborhoods to stay home and apply precautionary measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their families and loved ones.
“Up till now, there is no treatment or vaccine for the Coronavirus. However, there are great efforts globally, and even in KSA, to develop a treatment. We pray for Allah to grant us success in obtaining the proper treatment for this virus,” Al-Rabiah said. He noted that the Kingdom is implementing a curative protocol with the aim of providing patients with best treatment possible and speeding up their recovery.
Concluding his statement, the Minister of Health extended his thanks to health practitioners who make great sacrifices, and are dedicated to doing everything they can to provide patients who visit hospitals and health care centers with the best treatment and services. He also thanked security men who are present in streets to ensure the curfew is strictly applied.