JEDDAH — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) pledged its support for the preemptive and preventive measures taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant Saudi authorities to ensure the maximum safety of citizens and expatriates as well as that of pilgrims and visitors against the new Coronavirus (COVID-19). The General Secretariat of OIC stressed that the decision to temporarily suspend entry of Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque would contribute to ensuring the safety of pilgrims and visitors and protecting their lives. "The decision is in line with the application of approved international standards, and supports the efforts of states and international organizations, particularly the World Health Organization in fighting the epidemic." Meanwhile, the General Secretariat of the Senior Scholars Council hailed precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom to maintain the safe and healthy environment of citizens, expatriates, Umrah performers and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques against the spread of the new Coronavirus by adopting a package of precautionary measures. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, the Secretariat affirmed that these measures emanate from the Kingdom's responsibility to serve the Two Holy Mosques and ensure safety of pilgrims and visitors. Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hani Joukhdar said that the Kingdom is one of the first countries that started preparing to confront the new Coronavirus, noting that no cases were detected inside the Kingdom. Dr. Gokhdar, who led the Kingdom's delegation to the 53rd session of the Arab Health Ministers Council in Cairo, said that all preventive measures have been taken to stop spreading of the disease into the Kingdom. Arab Parliament President Dr. Mishaal Al-Salami praised the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. He appreciated the services and great work that the Kingdom renders to the guests of God under the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to facilitate the performance of the Haj and Umrah rituals in ease and comfort.
