Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawazan Al-Rabiah affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a part of the world and no country is immune to the Coronavirus, praising the great role that the wise leadership plays by taking precautionary measures and proactive steps to protect citizens and residents and to prevent the spread of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19). During the press conference held today about the latest developments in the situation of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), he said "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has distinct and accumulated experiences in dealing with epidemics and diseases during the Hajj and Umrah seasons", adding that health services are continued in hospitals and health centers around the clock. He pointed to the readiness of all health facilities to deal with any developments of the virus. He also noted the harmony and complementarity of the efforts of all relevant government sectors to deal with the virus. Dr. Al-Rabiah affirmed that there are specialized centers that include qualified cadres to deal with such situations, including (the Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine/ the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SaudiCDC)/ the National Center for Health Disasters and Crisis Management), and that all health facilities are ready to deal with any developments of the virus. The Minister of Health stressed that the Saudi society is a conscious society and understands the size of the responsibility to cooperate in order to prevent the spread of the virus, highlighting the importance of the 937 Center, which is fully prepared to receive and respond to all communications and provide consultations regarding Coronavirus 24 hours a day. He also stressed the importance of adhering to transparency, clarity and informing everyone about the developments of the situation locally and globally, saying, "We have health laboratories at the highest levels and include the latest equipment and medical techniques for examining the samples". He said that an intensive health awareness campaign had been launched, hoping that everyone will make the best use of it and commit to implementing the advice and guidance provided by it. --More 20:02 LOCAL TIME 17:02 GMT 0028 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Minister of Health Affirms Importance that Everyone Must Have Sense of Responsibility and Support Efforts to Prevent COVID-19 2 Riyadh He disclosed that the number of infected cases reached more than (170,000) around the world and the number of recovered cases are (77,000) cases, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) announced, several days ago, that the Coronavirus is (pandemic) which means that it has spread to all continents of the world, and reached 149 countries. "We have (118) cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the total number of recovered cases are (6). 8,000 people were isolated under the supervision of the ministry and more than 700,000 were tested in the ports," Al-Rabiah said, pointing out that the 937 call center received more than 170,000 calls about the Coronavirus. Regarding the health situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he said that the Kingdom has implemented the utmost caution in order to ensure the safety of the citizens and residents early. "The health status is currently reassured. All cases, which have been detected in the Kingdom, come from broad or anyone contacting with them," he said. Dr. Al-Rabiah pointed out that the coming period is very crucial in defining the course of the epidemic. "Your responsibility in reducing the spread of the disease is very important. For those who returned from abroad, they have a great responsibility towards their families and society through isolating themselves for their own safety and the safety of everyone", he asserted, stressing the importance of community's awareness in dealing with this critical period.
