Saudi Doctors During the Pandemic

Saudi Doctors During the Pandemic
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Saudi Doctors During the Pandemic

Saudi Doctors During the Pandemic

Saudi doctors are telling painful tales of how their COVID-19 patients are suffering, saying that it has become a turning point in their lives.

Health workers fighting off the virus are investing all their efforts into the mission of helping patients recover.

“When treating a COVID-19 patient, physicians wear a tailored N-95 mask and a face shield,” Doctor Abdulrrahman al-Saadoun said.

Saadoun, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, points to the difference in sizes of preventative gear and the difference in treating patients. But in all cases, doctors are restricted to wearing face masks, gloves, protective footwear, and plastic overalls.

As for the dangers posed by doctors visiting public places and spreading the virus, Saadoun stresses that the same health preventatives adopted by citizens apply to doctors.

Virus-infected deaths are also handled in a careful manner to curb the spread of the virus from the dead body, Saadoun noted.

When asked about how doctors spend their days in quarantine, especially that some decide to completely isolate themselves from their families, Saadoun stresses that many doctors spend their time reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and working on medical research with their colleagues.

He said that time spent in self-isolation is highly productive for physicians.

Some may be unaware of the harshness of what medical teams suffer in the face of their continuous work during this crisis.

Doctor Fatima al-Shahrani confirmed that it is difficult to know whether the virus is reaching its end given that new cases are being recorded daily.

Shahrani pointed out that the World Health Organization has warned all countries that matters could get worse, and added that it is very important to follow preventative measures.

The daily increase in the number of cases is evidence that the virus is still active.



Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)

Pilgrims began streaming into the valley of Mina early Tuesday to mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage, spending the Day of Tarwiyah on Wednesday in line with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed.

White tents have been prepared to receive the faithful, as Saudi authorities roll out a wide range of services to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly.

Crowds will swell further on Thursday, when some 2.5 million worshippers are expected to converge on Mount Arafat – the pinnacle of the Hajj – for the most sacred rite of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will listen to the Day of Arafat sermon and perform shortened noon and afternoon prayers before departing at sunset.

Strict measures

The Ministry of Interior reminded the public that access to the holy sites is restricted to those with official Hajj permits. Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance, are deployed across main highways, mountain paths, and rural roads to intercept unauthorized entrants and enforce regulations.

Authorities warned that transporting pilgrims without permits is a punishable offense. Entry points into Makkah and the holy sites are tightly monitored to prevent violations, with penalties in place for anyone attempting to bypass security measures.

Safety protocols in place

Regulations also prohibit raising political or sectarian flags and chanting slogans within the holy sites. Pilgrims are instructed not to block walkways or sit along designated pedestrian routes.

Worshippers are urged to carry personal identification, wear face masks within the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and avoid bringing sharp objects, oversized luggage, or extra garments such as blankets and spare Ihram clothes into the Haram.

Saudi Arabia, which has ramped up preparations to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, says these measures are vital to ensure the safety, security, and spiritual focus of the Hajj.

Tightened regulations

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the importance of compliance with official guidelines for movement within the holy sites, stressing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.

“This year, there will be strict enforcement to verify that every pilgrim holds a valid Hajj permit,” Al-Rabiah said, underscoring efforts to boost the overall quality and safety of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasized the significance of the Nusuk card, calling it a key tool in organizing pilgrim movements. “Anyone without the card will not be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, the holy sites, or access to transportation,” he stressed.

Health conditions ‘reassuring’

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al-Taleb announced that the overall health situation among pilgrims is stable and reassuring.

More than 50,000 medical and technical staff are deployed this season, supported by three mobile field hospitals and 71 emergency response stations. The ministry has also increased hospital bed capacity by 60% compared to last year, and has delivered over 98,000 healthcare services so far.