The committee concerned with following up the health situation of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) held here today its 39th meeting under chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawazan Al-Rabiah in presence of the members of all governmental relevant entities. 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, affirming the importance of continuation of applying all precautionary measures in all entry ports as well as all precautionary measures to contain this virus. The committee hailed the society's commitment with the curfew order, calling on them to stay at home except in cases of necessity during the unlimited period. Following the meeting, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, and Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, Security Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, held a joint press conference. The Spokesperson of the Health Ministry disclosed that the total number of confirmed cases with the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world amounted to 666,000, adding that 141,000 cases recovered so far. He disclosed that the number of deaths reached 30,000. "As many as 96 new cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in the Kingdom, including travel-linded 28 cases who are isolated since their arrival to the Kingdom's ports. Sixty eight cases are recorded recently for persons who were in contact with previous cases. All of the cases are under health observation," he added. "The confirmed cases covered many cities in the Kingdom, including 27 in Riyadh, 23 in Dammam, 14 in Madinah, 12 in Jeddah, seven in Makkah, five in Khobar, two in Dhahran, one in each of Qatif, Ras Tanoura, Saihat, Hafouf, Taif, Khamis Mushait and Tabuk," he said, adding that 29 new cases are recovered as follows: 25 in Makkah, two in Jeddah and one in each of Dammam and Asir. He announced four new deaths of COVID-19 for two residents in Madinah and two residents in Jeddah, adding that the critical cases included eight in Madinah, two in Riyadh and one in each of Dhahran and Hafouf. The Health Spokesperson stated that the accumulated COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom are 1,299, adding that the number of recoverees is 66 with eight confirmed deaths. He disclosed that the laboratory tests reached 55,990 (1,730 tests per one million). He called on everyone to take advantage of the self-assessment service about the symptoms of the new Coronavirus, which is available on MAWID electronic application, urging anyone coming from infected areas to communicate with the Health Center (937), warning from rumors about this virus. --More 19:10 LOCAL TIME 16:10 GMT 0029 www.spa.gov.sa/2052737
