RIYADH — Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdel Ali, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, denied reports about the launch of a massive community health screening of coronavirus with home visits. “Such a comprehensive community screening will be held in a systematic way and the details and schedule of home visits will be announced soon. The proactive field testing would continue in densely populated neighborhoods and labor camps,” he said during a daily coronavirus press briefing on Thursday.

Abdel Ali clarified that there is no age group that is immune from coronavirus infection. “The cases registered in Saudi Arabia cover people from all age groups from one year to 100 years of age, but about 50 percent of the infections were found to be in the 20-40 years age group,” he added.

He also urged people to use face masks while going out as it reduces the chances of contracting and transmitting the infection, pointing out that it is recommended by the World Health Organization,

He also underlined the need for social distancing, washing hands regularly, covering nose and mouth and avoiding gatherings.

He called on those who have symptoms of the virus or those want to be tested any way evaluate to use the self-assessment service to apply for an appointment, or dial the health center helpline number 937. — SG