Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has warned citizens and residents to refrain from eight daily habits that could result in contraction of the novel coronavirus infection.

The ministry has released an awareness video on alternative health habits, explaining that going out without wearing a face mask is one of the bad daily habits that might lead to coronavirus infection.

Also, kissing the hands of parents or elderly people poses a real threat to their health, when it is better to greet them from a safe distance.

In the video posted on Twitter, the ministry stressed that performing prayer while standing close to each other is one of the causes of infection. It is preferable for each person to pray on his personal prayer mat, two meters away from the other worshiper.

The ministry also warned that not washing the face mask before using it, or preferring cash payment for purchases or any other financial transactions, can cause COVID-19 infection. It advised the citizens and expatriates that it is better to rely on electronic payment methods.

The ministry warned against shaking hands in the workplace or randomly touching vegetables in the markets. It stressed that it is better to touch what the buyer wants to purchase only. The ministry warned of the danger of crowding during shopping, saying it is advisable to leave a distance of two meters between one shopper and the other.