Saudi citizens, residents and iqama holders will not have to worry about paying for COVID-19 treatment if they fall ill with the disease. King Salman has offered to cover medical costs until recovery is complete for anyone suffering from the novel coronavirus, including visa violators, criminals and tourists.
During a recent press conference, the Kingdom’s Health Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah, confirmed the 84-year-old monarch will financially back anyone in the country diagnosed with the virus. The minister also urged people with symptoms to go for testing.
"We are all in the same boat," he said, adding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was masterminding efforts “night and day.’
Coronavirus treatment in Saudi Arabia is free for all, as ordered by King Salman.
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) March 30, 2020
KSA announced it will finance the treatment for anyone in the country infected with #COVID19, including those in violation of residency laws. pic.twitter.com/Nsu2jbImh8
King Salman addressed the nation, which has registered eight deaths among 1,453 infections, about two weeks ago. The top Saudi royal also chaired an exceptional virtual summit of G20 leaders to press forward a global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kingdom has taken sweeping steps to try and mitigate the disease, including stopping international flights, domestic flights, buses trains and taxis across the country’s 13 regions.
The Saudi government seized over 1.1 illegally stored medical masks that were going to be resold at unfair prices during the #COVID19 pandemic. The masks were seized and redistributed in Hail markets, ensuring they will be sold at fair prices and according to the law. pic.twitter.com/Wm0eUk7wB3
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) March 30, 2020
Officials have also ordered the closure of most public places and government offices, except those involved in the health sector, security and military. They have imposed a partial curfew, with extended hours in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecaa and Medina too.Tight restrictions on movement include heavily curbed entry and exit to those same cities. Public health officials have claimed Saudi Arabia’s past experience tackling the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome helped prepare it for the new coronavirus outbreak.
