Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom Announces First Case of Infection

When panic surrounding the coronavirus starting building up, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imposed a temporary ban on Muslim pilgrims. While several other precautions were also put into place last month, it seems like their efforts have gone in vain considering the first case of coronavirus has been reported in the country. A Saudi national returning from Iran through Bahrain has allegedly fallen prey to the flu. Taking to its official Twitter handle, the ministry revealed that the individual is currently in quarantine in a hospital and had not informed airport officials about his visit to Iran when entering Saudi Arabia.

Coronavirus

The official Saudi Press Agency, citing the health ministry, mentioned that those who had interacted with the man have been isolated and are currently being tested. After China – where the coronavirus originated from – Iran has reported the most number of coronavirus cases as well as deaths. Iran on Monday raised its coronavirus death toll to 66 with 1,501 confirmed cases.

Saudi Nationals wear masks for protection

In Bahrain, the health ministry said on Monday two more people were diagnosed with the coronavirus, a Bahraini woman and a Saudi man, both of whom it said took non-direct flights from Iran to Bahrain and were isolated upon arrival and tested. The reported cases in Bahrain stand at 49 for now. Saudi Arabia also halted Gulf Arab citizens from visiting Mecca and Medina and also banned tourists from at least 25 states where the virus has been found. The Health Ministry said on Sunday it had prepared 25 hospitals to handle any coronavirus infections, with 2,200 beds dedicated for quarantine cases. The Holy month of Ramadan is when most Muslims head to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Whether the ban will be lifted before Ramadan or not has not been confirmed by the involved authorities yet. Coronavirus has led to an alarming situation worldwide.