Saudi Arabia: Government suspends travel to China for citizens and residents February 6 /update 2

Event

On Thursday, February 6, the Saudi government announced it is barring its nationals and residents from traveling to China to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It stated that citizens who do not observe the policy would face consequences, and residents will not be permitted to enter the country.  

There have been no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Saudi Arabia as of February 6. The implementation of additional measures to curb the spread of the virus are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of 2019-nCoV was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in 25 countries and territories worldwide. Virus screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the ongoing novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is a "public health emergency of international concern."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Individuals traveling to Jordan are advised to monitor the situation, respect government regulations, and contact their nearest embassy for further details. Individuals are also advised to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus:

• Avoid all contact with animals (dead or alive); avoid eating animal products that are undercooked; avoid all markets where animals are sold
• Avoid all close contact with people displaying symptoms of the disease (e.g. difficulties breathing)
• Frequently wash hands, wear a face mask
• Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments
• Travelers returning from China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid spreading the disease.