Saudis Cancel Flights As Gulf Nations Move to Contain Virus

Saudi Arabia said Saturday in the current attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus will suspend all international flights to the Kingdom for two weeks.

The Gulf nations were struggling to control the pandemic that spread to over 100 countries and killed over 130,000 citizens. Of great interest is neighboring Iran where one of the worst diseases has affected more than 11,000 people and murdered over 500 civilians.

The latest coronavirus is only triggering mild to moderate effects for most people, such as fever and cough. It may trigger more serious illness for others, particularly older adults and those with chronic health conditions, including pneumonia.

In a couple of weeks, the overwhelming majority of citizens heal from the current infection but the disease has triggered over 5,000 deaths worldwide.

The state-run Saudi News Agency, citing an unidentified official at the Interior Ministry, said flights will be canceled beginning on Sunday.

Health officials in the United Arab Emirates advised the elderly to remain home because of the coronavirus epidemic and authorities said several federal workers might start operating for two weeks from home beginning Sunday.

Abu Dhabi's The National Newspaper announced that it would close down nightclubs and visitor restaurants in the emirate before the end of March. The Culture and Tourism department has canceled all scheduled activities in Abu Dhabi, including concerts. The policy will not stretch as far as Dubai.

A number of major sporting events, conferences, and other gatherings have been canceled across the globe. The virus is highly contagious, and even those showing no symptoms can spread it, making large public gatherings particularly risky.

Source: AP