Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday repatriated 155 citizens back to the Kingdom from New York, the state which has been hit hardest by the coronavirus outbreak in the US, after airlines worldwide halted flights, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

All these citizens, stranded in the US since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be tested for the virus and quarantined for 14 days in guest houses set up by the Ministry of Tourism, SPA said.

Their repatriation comes after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued an order to the foreign minister to work on procedures that would allow Saudi citizens to return to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has reported 5,369 cases of coronavirus and 73 fatalities till Tuesday.

The Kingdom has imposed a range of measures to slow the spread of the virus, including 24-hour lockdowns in major cities, suspending the seasonal Umrah pilgrimage, and providing coronavirus treatment to anyone in need of medical care, including people who have overstayed their visas.

The citizens expressed their happiness over their arrival, extending their thanks and appreciations to the leadership for the care and attention they received during their stay abroad until their arrival in Saudi Arabia.