Via the Saudi Gazette, an Okaz report: Umrah pilgrims are free from coronavirus: Qadi. Excerpt:
Umrah pilgrims are being protected by a system of integrated preventive health protection measures against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), most commonly known as coronavirus.
No coronavirus cases have been reported and all visitors are said to be in good health.
Local authorities said they have mobilized all resources to ensure coronavirus does not strike pilgrims.
Deputy Haj Minister for Haj Affairs, Hatem Qadi, confirmed that all Grand Mosque visitors are free from coronavirus infections.
“The ministry urges citizens, residents, and Grand Mosque visitors to take all possible preventive measures against coronavirus, by wearing preventive masks, avoiding crowded areas and maintaining personal hygiene,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Hospital in Riyadh is ready to accept MERS patients and can accommodate 500 inpatients and 100 intensive care patients.
A committee of Ministry of Health and hospital officials was set up and began meeting following the decision of the acting Minister of Health, Adel Fakeih, to set up specialized centers to cope with the virus in the Kingdom by setting up centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Hospital’s Executive Director, Dr. Mohammad Al-Shehri, said the hospital is prepared to receive all cases referred to it.
He explained final plans have been put in place to receive coronavirus patients and that he has complete confidence in the hospital's medical staff.
He confirmed the hospital would not seek the help of other experts, whether from inside or outside the Kingdom.
He pointed out the hospital has already treated patients carrying the coronavirus and has acquired good experience in handling such cases.
