Saudi Arabia has imposed a quarantine on al-Qatifcity, in the Kingdom's Eastern Province, as part of precautionary healthmeasures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the Saudi Press Agency reportedciting an interior ministry source.
The temporary suspension of entry and exit will extend from thecity's Saihat district in the south to Safwa in the north, according tothe report.
"Given that all 11 recorded positive cases of the newcoronavirus are from Qatif… it has been decided… to temporarily suspendentry and exit from Qatif," the ministry said in a statement carried bythe official Saudi Press Agency.
The interior ministry source said authorities will allowreturnees who live in the governorate to reach their homes during the period ofsuspension.
All work in government departments and private institutions willbe stopped during the suspension as authorities increase measures to stem tothe transmission of the novel coronavirus. An exception to the work suspensionwill include the service of basic facilities to provide security, supply andnecessary services, such as pharmacies, supply stores, petrol stations, health,environmental, municipal and security facilities.
"The source emphasized that the continued cooperation of allcitizens in implementing the precautionary measures will have the greatestimpact on the success of the measures taken, and enabling the competent healthauthorities to provide the best medical care, to prevent the spread of thevirus and eliminate it, to ensure the safety of all," the SPA report added,citing the source.