The Assistant Minister of Health and MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, highlighted that all such contacts of patients with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) without protection for a long time must self-isolate (or quarantine).
He revealed that 621 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 327,551. These include 17,178 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 1,238 critical cases.
Al-Abdulaali made this statement during the COVID-19 briefing held today (Wednesday), which also hosted General Authority of Civil Aviation spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Rwosa.
He pointed out that 982 cases have been recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 306,004 cases, all praise is due to Allah. Also, 31 new deaths have been reported; bringing the total deaths to 4,369. Moreover, 50,194 new lab tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in the Kingdom’s laboratories during the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 5,868,149. He said that the virus has affected almost 30 million people globally. He called on everyone to take the initiative and make an appointment at the healthcare center to check on his health even if you don’t show COVID-19 symptoms.
For his part, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Rwosa, said that in accordance with the royal approval we have started international flights for the exceptional categories last Monday. The international airports are operational in coordination with MOH and the concerned government agencies. He said (GACA) has published an updated guide on its official website.
According to the regulations, non-Saudis will not be permitted to enter the airport except after submitting evidence that he/she is free of COVID-19, based on a recent and approved certificate, as well as 3-day home quarantine for those coming from outside the Kingdom. This is in addition to the previous measures, including medical disclosure during the quarantine period, arriving at the airport 4 hours before the departure time for international flights, wearing cloth face mask, keeping safe social distance at the airport, he added.
Al-Rwosa pointed out that during reservation process the air carrier must brief the passenger on the terms and conditions of ticketing, in terms of cash refunding, or through a voucher, and how to submit a request. He indicated that the customer protection regulation stipulates that the passenger should be notified of all procedures clearly at all points of sale. In the event that the air carrier violates the regulations, the passenger will be compensated according to the customer protection regulations.
He stressed that all passengers must get acquainted with the health requirements applied in the country of destination, and abide by any other precautionary measures, including health quarantine or lab testing. Also, they have to abide by the GACA’s passenger guide published on its official channels.
He stated that the specific date and time of completely lifting the suspension of the international flights will be announced 30 days before January 1, 2021.