The committee concerned with following up on the health situation of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) held today its 25th meeting under chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawazan Al-Rabiah. During the meeting, the committee reviewed all reports and developments of the virus as well as the epidemiological situation of the virus worldwide including the confirmed cases in the Kingdom, with an emphasis on applying all preventive measures in entry ports. Following the meeting, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the total number of confirmed cases with the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world amounted to 156,000 cases in 149 countries, adding that 74,000 cases recovered so far. He disclosed that the number of deaths reached 5,800. "So far, 103 cases are confirmed in the Kingdom, (48 males and 55 females), including recovery of three cases while 100 cases are isolated and receiving an intensive care. All the cases are stable except one critical case which is noticeably improved due to a medical plan," he said. "The cases included 48 Saudis and 55 non Saudis (48 Egyptians, two Bahrainis, two Americans, one Lebanese, one Bangladeshi and one French). All of them are adult. The average age is 50 years old except two children," he added, pointing out that 58 cases have been linked to arrivals coming from countries that have recorded the spread of the virus in addition to 18 cases are emerged due to contacting with infected persons. The spokesman affirmed that those examined in ports reached 670,000 people, pointing out that the Health Center (937) received 150,000 calls about the new Coronavirus. The Spokesman of the Health Ministry urged all to abide by the instructions for their safety and health as well as the public health as follows: First: Avoiding shaking hands. Second: Washing hands continuously. Third: Staying away from gatherings. Fourth: For everyone who came from outside the Kingdom, the health isolation is applied for 14 days. Dr. Al-Abd Al-Aali urged anyone coming from infected areas to communicate with the Health Center (937), warning from rumors about this virus.
