Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Dr.Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said the ministry has received SR47 billion to deal with coronavirus pandemic.

In a televised address here on Monday, the minister announced that the number of corona cases in the Kingdom have exceeded 10,000-mark. "The spike in the numbers of daily reported coronavirus infections in the Kingdom is due to cases being detected by the expanded field testing programs taking place across the country," the minister said.

Al-Rabiah urged people to continue social distancing and following other COVID-19 regulations during Ramadan. The minister also expected a continued rise in the number of cases in the upcoming days.

Expressing his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for allocating additional amounts of money to the health sector, Al-Rabiah said the King and Crown Prince never hesitate to provide all support for health and safety of citizens, which is their highest priority.

The health minister drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s generous contribution of $500 million to support international efforts in combating the pandemic.

Al-Rabiah appreciated enormous efforts made by all sectors of the state under a direct follow-up of the wise leadership to deal with the coronavirus in order to safeguard the health and safety of the citizens and residents.

Speaking about the G20 health ministers’ meeting, he said the health leaders discussed the formulation of a joint plan to tackle the coronavirus by sharing the best practices of the member states and by using innovative effective solutions to confront this disease.