Saudi Arabia: Authorities lock down Qatif region amid COVID-19 outbreak March 8 /update 10

Event

On Sunday, March 8, Saudi authorities ordered a temporary lockdown of the eastern Qatif region over concerns from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the country. According to officials, 11 individuals in the region tested positive for the virus after having traveled to Iran or come into contact with people who had recently been in Iran. Under the directives, all entry and exit into Qatif has been halted; work at all government and private institutions has also been suspended.

To date, Saudi Arabia has recorded 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 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 numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.

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 in or planning travel to Qatif region are advised to monitor epidemiological developments, prepare for related travel disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

In the case that symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness emerge either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.