JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Health reiterated its warning on Saturday about the danger of social gatherings, describing them as potential “hotbeds” for coronavirus (COVID-19).
This came during the daily press conference held in Riyadh by the ministry spokesman, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly, where he announced 48 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Kingdom to 392.
Many of the cases were people who had recently traveled, while five cases were recorded among health practitioners and administrators at a health facility in Riyadh, who had not shown any symptoms and were placed in quarantine.
The facility was closed as a precaution.
The rest of the cases, Al-Abd Al-Aly said, had contracted the virus through attending social events such as funerals, social gatherings and family meetings.
“This confirms that these unfortunate gatherings may occur due to the lack of commitment and with some leniency in the process of isolation and the application of measures that urge people to stay in their homes and avoid gatherings in all its forms,” he said, describing such gatherings as “a fertile environment for virus transmission.”
Al-Abd Al-Aly said that proactive steps and successful measures taken by the Kingdom to block the virus at Saudi ports and quarantine procedures were “preemptive steps for society — however, leniency in the process of gatherings may lead to other worrying and dangerous hotbeds that may affect people and their families.”
The ministry’s spokesman announced that eight additional cases had recovered, bringing the total of number of recovered cases to 16.
“The 937 call center received more than 280,000 calls for medical consultations and inquiries,” said the spokesman.
He concluded the daily press conference with a message to everyone calling on them to stay in their homes.
“I am sending this message to everyone, not as an official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, but as a doctor, brother, son, father and friend of all: Stay in your homes as much as possible and stay away from gatherings,” he said, adding: “This is the most important recommendation. Lives are being lost because of carelessness and recklessness.”
Saudi Arabia also announced the temporary suspension of all public transportation across the Kingdom to contain the virus.
The measure does not, however, include the transfer of individuals through smart applications, such as Uber and Careem.
Careem said in a statement: “These decisions do not include the transfer of individuals through smart applications, but we appeal to citizens and residents not to go out except for extreme necessities in order to preserve the health and safety of everyone.”
The company added: “In the event that you request delivery services from Careem, please leave a note to deliver the order at the door and pay through the app wallet to ensure that enough distance is left and avoid direct contact, so that we work hand in hand to prevent the spread of the virus.”
In a statement sent to Arab News, Uber said that the only category affected by the decision was UberTaxi.
“As per the latest measures announced by the Ministry of Interior to fight the spread of COVID-19, we are suspending the UberTaxi offering in the Kingdom until further notice. All other options on the Uber app remain available for essential travel and delivery.”
The statement added that the company was “deeply committed to helping flatten the curve in the cities we serve and remain in close contact with local public health authorities.”
Saudi health ministry warns social gatherings are potential ‘hotbeds’ for coronavirus
https://arab.news/5f3z6
Saudi health ministry warns social gatherings are potential ‘hotbeds’ for coronavirus
- Total number of recovered cases in Kingdom reaches 16
- The 937 call center received more than 280,000 calls for medical consultations and inquiries
Saudi Arabia hosts first Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh
- Arab League established body following proposal from Saudi Arabia
- Aim is to enhance collaboration among Arab nations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the first meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh on Monday, featuring officials and experts from a variety of Arab League countries.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit will participate in the meeting to discuss cooperation in cybersecurity and joint cyber frameworks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Arab League established the council in September 2023 following a proposal from Saudi Arabia to consolidate Arab efforts in the sector due to increasing cyber threats and computer-related attacks.
The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority is hosting the event. Established in 2017, the body aims to protect Saudi national security and interests from cyber breaches and attacks.
The Riyadh meeting’s primary objective is to enhance collaboration among Arab nations on all cybersecurity-related matters.
It also aims to function as a platform for exchanging expertise and creating a reliable Arab cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity for all member states of the Arab League.
Riyadh festival strengthens Saudi-Iraqi cultural bonds
- ‘Common Ground’ celebrates music, art and shared heritage
RIYADH: A Saudi-Iraqi dialogue on music has been held as part of the “Common Ground” festival at Riyadh Boulevard, which runs until Dec. 31.
The dialogue featured Saudi artist Abadi Al-Johar and Iraqi artist Naseer Shamma, who presented their musical creations.
It highlighted the points of convergence between the rich cultures of both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event aims to highlight the shared cultural elements between Saudi Arabia and Iraq through various cultural and artistic activities.
The goal is to strengthen cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and Iraq and provide an opportunity to explore Iraqi culture and its creative landmarks, the SPA reported.
Iraqi visitors expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and the festival’s recognition of Iraqi artists, particularly the honoring of renowned singer Saadoun Jaber and the late poet Karim Al-Iraqi.
Many said that this reflected the festival’s respect for Iraq’s artistic legacy and its role in fostering cultural ties between the two nations.
An art exhibition at the festival showcases dozens of works by Saudi and Iraqi artists, which visitors praised for vividly portraying the historical and cultural diversity of the two countries while highlighting their shared heritage.
The event has also included discussions on the historical roots of economic ties and recent efforts to strengthen them.
Researchers and historians from both countries gathered to discuss their shared history and explored ways to cooperate in the future.
The festival includes a children’s area with heritage games, arts and crafts, and interactive storytelling.
It also offers a culinary experience blending Saudi and Iraqi flavors, while visitors can enjoy Saudi coffee and Iraqi tea, reflecting Arab hospitality.
The event is being held in collaboration between the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Iraqi National Library and Archive.
Salam Equine Hospital takes the reins of equine healthcare
- The state-of-the-art facility combines modern technology with innovative design and specialized medical expertise
MAKKAH: Salam Equine Hospital, a venture by Salam Veterinary Group, recently opened its doors in Buraidah, where it epitomizes Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in veterinary and medical innovation.
The state-of-the-art facility combines modern technology with innovative design and specialized medical expertise, setting a new benchmark in equine medicine. The hospital not only offers therapeutic and preventive services but also engages in extensive research and development, positioning itself as a global leader in equine care.
Abdulaziz Al-Jumah, the hospital’s executive director, highlighted the project’s significance in an interview with Arab News. “Salam Equine Hospital is part of the Salam Veterinary Group, and it is the largest veterinary hospital in the world.”
According to Al-Jumah, the hospital has formed strategic partnerships with leading international equine hospitals, such as Baker McVeigh, to bring advanced medical knowledge and technology to Saudi Arabia.
“We have established a plan and a strategy for the hospital, consisting of an engineering system facilitating the entry and exit of horses while ensuring their safety,” he said.
A comprehensive system ensures horse safety from entry to exit, with special gates for emergencies and radiology to prevent infection spread.
The facility has fully equipped recovery and anesthesia rooms where horses are safely anesthetized, operated on, and then monitored in recovery. Its operating rooms are designed to meet international standards for isolation, cleanliness, and air quality, crucial for preventing post-operative infections, Al-Jumah said.
“After the operation, some horses might need intensive care. Therefore, we have established intensive care units that are completely isolated to prevent bacterial infections,” Al-Jumah said. “These units have surveillance cameras to monitor the horses in every room of the hospital and track their safety.”
Al-Jumah said that the hospital has “a radiology room that is lead-lined and fully equipped with radiology and sonar devices that examine the horses’ tendons, fractured bones, and spine. A 360-degree examination is conducted using these exceptional top-notch devices.”
When it comes to equine reproduction, Salam Equine Hospital uses cutting-edge techniques such as artificial insemination, natural insemination, and embryo transfer, including the sophisticated IVF method known as “test tube foal,” where sperm is injected directly into an egg.
The hospital’s reach extends beyond its physical boundaries, with mobile clinics that provide on-site care at stables, ensuring comprehensive health services for horses in the region.
Al-Jumah emphasized the hospital’s ongoing commitment to research. “Salam Equine Hospital is keen to conduct new research and seeks development, uniqueness and excellence in horses’ care, thanks to the support of the board of directors and medical personnel who have raised our ambitions level to become the best in the world. We are always looking to initiate new research in this field.”
This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s vision for medical advancement and sets new global standards in veterinary care.
Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture
- This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University
Jeddah: The Jeddah Historic District Program of the Ministry of Culture recently hosted a delegation of students from Harvard University, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The students were given a tour of the Jeddah Historic District, known as Al-Balad, highlighting its distinctive architectural, cultural and economic landmarks.
They also participated in activities commemorating World Arabic Language Day, which further enhanced their understanding of the area’s rich heritage.
This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and economic development to their peers, the SPA reported.
The Jeddah Historic District Program plays a crucial role in revitalizing the area through community engagement, economic development and sustainable urban planning.
By transforming historic Jeddah into a vibrant environment for living and working, the program aims to establish it as a global heritage and tourist destination.
Saudi project clears 570 Houthi mines in Yemen
Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 570 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included two anti-personnel mines, 50 anti-tank mines, 508 unexploded ordnances and 10 explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 473,258 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.
