The head of the command and control center in the Riyadh region, Muhammad Al-Tuwaijri; confirmed implementing preventative measures to combat the new coronavirus outbreak. This is with relevant authorities and boards convening daily to assess the situation.
Tuwaijri pointed out that arrivals in the country over the last period are being quarantined in 5-star and 7-star hotels. He noted that 13 hotels in Riyadh work as quarantine centers with the necessary equipments.
He highlighted that more hotels are available for transformation should the need arise. While the Kingdom continues to evacuate citizens from coronavirus-hit countries worldwide and put them in quarantine for 14 days.
Tuwaijri stressed that the goal is not only to monitor those tested positive for COVID-19, but also to track and contact those with whom they have been in contact.
"The point of placing a person in quarantine is to ensure that they do not harm others," Tuwaijri underscored. He also explained that an infected person may not show any symptoms.
On-site medical cadres regularly test and monitor patients at the hotel quarantines.
The Saudi government had developed a package of measures to address the virus by preventing public gatherings and eating in restaurants alongside other steps.
Tuwaijri said that the decrease or increase in the number of cases depends on the response of the community. He also confirmed that citizens and residents are practicing social distancing, as it limits the spread of the disease.
This, according to Tuwaijri, ushers in the gradual decline of the virus.
Addressing the nation on Thursday evening, Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz stressed the necessity to enhance the individual and collective awareness and adherence to instructions by relevant authorities amid the exceptional circumstances engulfing the entire world.
