by Anas Alyusuf

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Health celebrated here on Sunday news of cheer by sending home the first batch of 300 citizens, who were in the quarantine after they arrived to the Kingdom two weeks back from countries hit by coronavirus.

Videos posted online by the Ministry showed medical staff bidding farewell to the citizens by giving them roses and gifts while they left a 5-star hotel for their homes after 14 days.

A number of citizens expressed their thanks and appreciation to the ministry for the care they received since their arrival at the Kingdom's airports, saying that the precautionary measures taken by Saudi Arabia to combat the virus are sufficient and will prevent the virus from spreading.

As part of the precautionary measures taken by the government, Ministry of Health has decided to put all arrivals, from countries infected with the virus such as China, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Spain in quarantine under the supervision of the ministry.

Arrivals from those countries have been admitted to a hospital under contact and droplet precautions regardless of the case’s clinical severity until the COVID-19 test result is reported negative and the person is clinically cleared.

Arrivals from other countries have been asked by the ministry to quarantine themselves at home for a couple of weeks from the date of their arrival in the Kingdom.

This decision was taken to prevent the recent travelers from contacting their families, friends and the community.

The decision showed its effectiveness since the Kingdom reported in the last week only 197 cases for patients who were travelers and been isolated in quarantine since arrival.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended all international flights until further notice as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. — SG