Saudi Arabia Reports More Virus Cases as it Goes into Lockdown for Eid

An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reports More Virus Cases as it Goes into Lockdown for Eid

An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reported on Friday 2,642 coronavirus cases, raising its total to 67,719, as security forces began enforcing a four-day nationwide lockdown over the outbreak.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali said 28,352 patients were receiving medial care and 302 were in critical condition.

He told a daily press briefing on the outbreak that 38 percent of the new cases were detected among Saudis.

Recoveries have reached 39,003 with 2,963 new patients confirmed to have beaten the disease. Thirteen new fatalities were reported, raising the toll to 364.

Meanwhile, security forces began enforcing a 24-hour four-day lockdown throughout the Kingdom with the advent of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Saudi Arabia declared earlier on Friday that the holiday, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, would begin on Sunday.

Interior Ministry security spokesman Talal al-Shalhoub underscored the need for respecting the lockdown and social distancing measures. Gatherings of more than five people will also be barred.

He said security forces will enforce the lockdown in residential neighborhoods and public areas. People caught violating restrictions will be fined.

Restaurants, factories, laboratories, hypermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, food markets and stores will be exempt from the lockdown. They will operate during curfew hours.



Saudi Foreign Minister Speaks with Palestinian Vice President

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi Foreign Minister Speaks with Palestinian Vice President

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on Tuesday spoke by telephone with Palestinian Vice President and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee Vice Chairman Hussein al-Sheikh.

The Foreign Minister congratulated al-Sheikh on his new position, wishing him success in his duties.

They discussed bilateral relations, the latest Palestinian developments, and ways to enhance joint action to support the Palestinian cause and the interests of the Palestinian people.