Covid-19: Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends entry for pilgrims, tourists over coronavirus fears

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Riyadh - The ministry calls on citizens not to travel to countries where the new Covid-19 is spreading.

By SPA

Published: Thu 27 Feb 2020, 5:16 AM

Last updated: Thu 27 Feb 2020, 6:35 PM

Saudi Arabia on Thursday temporarily suspended visas for pilgrims wishing to visit the holy city of Makkah over coronavirus fears, the foreign ministry said.
The government is "suspending entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet's Mosque temporarily", the foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that can be undertaken at any time of year.
Umrah attracts tens of thousands of devout Muslims from all over the globe each month.
(Coronavirus: Everything you need to know about the Covid-19 Wuhan virus outbreak)
The foreign ministry said it was also suspending visas for tourists visiting from countries where the new virus is a "danger".

#Statement | Proactive Preventive Measures to Prevent the Arrival of the New Coronavirus (#COVID19) to the Kingdom pic.twitter.com/fuBAWq19Du
- Foreign Ministry ???? (@KSAmofaEN) February 26, 2020

The ministry of Foreign Affairs said that this precautions comes in completion of the efforts taken to provide the utmost protection to the safety of citizens and residents and everyone who intends to come to the the Kingdom to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet's Mosque or for the purpose of tourism.

"This precautions based on the recommendations of the competent health authorities to apply the highest precautionary standards, and take proactive preventive measures to prevent the arrival of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) to the Kingdom and its spread," the ministry added.

The authorities have also suspended the use of the national identity card to travel to and from the Kingdom by Saudi nationals and Gulf citizens, in order for the concerned authorities at the entry points to verify from which countries visitors came before their arrival to the Kingdom, and apply health precautions to deal with those coming from those countries.

Saudi Arabia affirms that these procedures are temporary, and subject to continuous evaluation by the competent authorities.
The foreign ministry calls on citizens not to travel to countries where the new coronavirus is spreading.
Even as the number of fresh cases declines at the epicentre of the disease in China, there has been a sudden increase in parts of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Iran has emerged as a major hotspot in the region, where 15 people have succumbed to the disease -- officially known as Covid-19.
Kuwait and Bahrain have also announced additional cases this week.
With inputs from AFP