Saudi Arabia suspends government operations for 16 days on coronavirus

Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended work in all government sectors except health, security and military sectors for 16 days as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The decision will limit the presence of the public and beneficiaries in government departments by enhancing electronic transactions and activating platforms for providing services remotely.

It will also reduce commercial dealings with companies and their representatives to electronic and telephone communication as much as possible, the state news agency said.

The decision, which is likely to take effect immediately, followed earlier orders to close malls, restaurants, cafes and public parks across the Kingdom. This comes with the exception of pharmacies and food supply activities including supermarkets and hypermarkets, provided they commit to sterilizing the shopping carts after every use.

Service at food and beverages (F&B) places will be limited to take away requests for 24 hours a day, and customers will not be allowed to sit at designated service tables inside the stores.

The decision also prevents gatherings in public places designated for recreation, such as parks, beaches, resorts, camps, wild parks and the like. Additionally, all auctions and related activities will be temporarily suspended as well.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development encouraged companies, private institutions, and charitable societies to reduce the number of employees attending workplaces and promote remote functioning through the available electronic means

However, the basic and sensitive work for the security and health sectors will continue for pregnant women, and those with respiratory or cardiac diseases, HIV or hereditary diseases, and users of immunosuppressive drugs, who are undergoing treatment from tumors.

The ministry also urged companies and institutions to apply home quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of arrival of all expatriate workers from outside the Kingdom before commencing their work, as well as those showing respiratory symptoms in the current situation.

The Ministry of Health confirmed on Sunday 15 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 118. All of the new patients are now in quarantine, with 3 recoveries reported.