RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has decided to temporarily suspend all international flights for two weeks starting from Sunday as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday quoting an official source in the Ministry of Interior.

The citizens and expatriates who are unable to return due to the suspension or who go into quarantine after returning will be granted an "exceptional official holiday," the SPA report added.

According to the report, the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and other relevant agencies will make arrangements for the arrival of citizens who wish to return, as the relevant procedures will be announced within a week.

Saudi Arabia early on Friday reported 24 new cases of the virus, bringing the total number of cases to 86 in the Kingdom.

The country has implemented several precautionary measures since the outbreak of the virus, including halting flights to coronavirus-hit nations, suspending tourist visas, and prohibiting all public events. — SG