The Saudi government has taken unprecedented measures incountering the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with their quickpreemptive move, said the Ambassador of the European Union to SaudiArabia Michele Cervone D'urso, while adding, it is in a good position that willenable it to manage this pandemic and "flatten the curve".
In an interview with Okaz on Saturday, the EU ambassadorsaid: "The Kingdom took early, firm preemptive measures in restricting traveland movement and implementing mandatory social distancing. Now there is apartial curfew and lockdown in several cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkahand Madinah. All are very well aware what they ought to do when the symptomsaggravate. In this regard, the public facilities had made preparations for anycontingency quite early."
He added: "These also include the important emergencymeasures to stimulate the economy and pave the way for recovery in thepost-crisis stage, including the commitment to increase lending this year andthe emergency measures for the private sector. All these will pose a specialchallenge when oil prices drop and the ensuing financial impacts set in."
Speaking to Okaz in Riyadh, he said: "I was appointed aboutfour years ago. During this period, I have seen directly the flexibility of theSaudi people and their generosity and sympathy.
"These are the qualities that have come to the surface duringthese difficult times. I support the great human efforts being exerted by themedical teams and those operating the basic services, especially since thecoronavirus pandemic has brought humanity closer to one another."
