JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman said on Saturday that the health and safety of the Kingdom's residents and citizens is of top concern.
"The world is facing an unprecedented health pandemic," the king said in a speech on Eid Al-Fitr to Saudi citizens, residents and Muslims everywhere, offering his good wishes to mark the arrival of the annual celebration amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The speech, delivered by acting Minister of Media Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi on the eve of Eid Al-Fitr after maghrib prayers, came at a time when Saudi Arabia and the world are witnessing an unprecedented health and economic crisis.
King Salman thanked the residents for their commitment during these difficult times. They are celebrating the Muslim holiday at home, many of them unable to enjoy it with their families under the stay-at-home restrictions to curb the spread of the pandemic.
In his speech, King Salman called upon the whole community to understand these special circumstances, where Muslims are prevented from performing Eid prayers and exchanging visits, and he reaffirmed that the safety and health of all is a top priority.
“I greatly appreciate your commitment in spending Eid Al-Fitr in your homes, consciously and responsibly, respecting social distancing procedures and sending Eid congratulations through electronic communications and correspondence. All these measures are for the sake of your safety, as nothing is more important than good health.”
The speech is a major boost for morale, as the King thanked hundreds of thousands of health workers and others from all sectors who are working day and night in response to the pandemic and doing all that they can to provide citizens with the support they need. With the efforts made by Saudi Arabia’s government and the compliance of its residents, great strides have been taken.
Saudi Arabia has made every effort to combat the pandemic and to mitigate its effects. The Kingdom has also provided generous aid to the World Health Organization (WHO) in support of its efforts to confront the pandemic.”
King Salman also addressed in his speech the role Saudi Arabia plays on a global scale and its duty towards humanity when, as chair of the G20, it called an extraordinary summit of G20 members to discuss the health, economic and social impact of the pandemic and to develop an action plan in response to the outbreak.
“The Kingdom will spare no effort to bring good to humanity in this particular pandemic, and in all aspects of life.”
Saudi Arabia announced 2,442 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, the majority of which recorded in Riyadh at 794.
It also announced 2,233 new recoveries and 15 deaths.
