Saudi Arabia calls G20 leaders to meet over coronavirus

The G20 leaders will put forward a set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy.

Saudi Arabia, which chairs the Group of 20 major economies, on Tuesday announced an extraordinary virtual leaders summit next week "to put forward a coordinated set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy."
The G20 leaders will put forward a coordinated set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy.
The summit will build on efforts by finance ministers and bank governors from the G20, as well as senior health, trade and foreign ministries to determine the much needed steps in fighting the pandemic.

The Saudi #G20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 Leaders' Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/f58c6bZtZR
- SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) March 17, 2020

Saudi Arabia is the host of the next G20 summit - an annual gathering of representatives of the world's largest economies.
Saudi have registered more than 1,000 infections, many linked to travel to neighbouring Iran, which is an epicentre for the outbreak in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has taken drastic steps to try and slow down the spread of the virus, including suspending the Umrah pilgrimage, halting international flights, and closing schools and most public establishments.
Prayers will continue only at the two holy mosques in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, state news agency SPA reported, citing the Kingdom's top clerical body. Mosque doors will close and the ritual call to prayer will direct people to pray at home.
The Kingdom previously suspended work for government employees, except in the health, military and security sectors.
The central bank said it had activated business continuity plans and work-from-home measures for financial institutions . The Council of Ministers postponed its regular meetings for two weeks, media reported.

• Saudi Arabia