The phone-in service that was recently launched by the Health Ministry for inquiries about coronavirus has been stepped up after acting Health Minister Adel Fakeih took charge.
An official from the ministry said callers can seek clarification on any matters related to the prevention, treatment and symptoms of the disease both inside and outside the Kingdom.
Residents can call toll free number 800 249 4444 during office hours.
Dr. Sami Al-Hajjar and Mohammed Al-Zahrani were present to answer callers on Wednesday.
Abdullah Al-Aseeri, undersecretary at the Health Ministry and member of the National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases, told Arab News in an earlier statement that the transitional weather also would trigger the virus among individuals who suffer from chronic diseases in the Kingdom.
The ministry is currently working on studying patterns for the spread of the disease throughout the Kingdom, he said. Studies are also being conducted on animals.
“There have been no incidence of coronavirus among Haj or Umrah pilgrims or among football spectators,” he said.
The virus has infected 272 residents throughout the Kingdom, of which 81 deaths, since September 2012. The ministry has also tested more than 18,000 samples of blood from suspected patients since that time.
In his maiden speech as the newly appointed acting health minister, Al-Fakeih said his ministry would provide logistical support to hospitals to deal with the virus.
He promised to address the media in full transparency and provide them with comprehensive information about the disease. “We will announce additional measures taken to contain coronavirus.”
Recent studies conducted in Oman and the Canary Islands, Egypt, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have shown that camels have adequate anti-bodies to fight the virus, he said.
There is no definite remedy against coronavirus and the disease remains still a mystery throughout the world.
Riyadh suffered the highest number of coronavirus victims, followed by Jeddah and the Eastern Province. The first case of the virus was reported in Bisha. The patient was treated at a hospital in Jeddah.
Phone-in service stepped up
