The Ministry of Health announced the continuous decline in the number of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases in the Kingdom for the fourth week in a row. In its weekly statement, the ministry confirmed three cases were reported in Makkah, Riyadh and Hail in the period between 16 - 22 Jamad Al-Thani, as compared to 31 cases during the same period last year.

Despite an apparent decline in the number of cases, the ministry said prevention and protection efforts remain intact, as well as cooperation with all relevant authorities and international health organizations, including WHO, for up-to-date information regarding the virus.

Ministry labs tested 1,336 samples for coronavirus during the same period, while rapid response teams conducted seven visits to combat infections at health facilities. Twelve positive cases of the virus have been confined to their homes, as the ministry continues its awareness campaign efforts to reach as many people as possible. According to the ministry, 55.5 percent patients infected with the virus, about 543 out of a total of 977 cases, have been cured.

Meanwhile, around-the-clock surveillance and monitoring efforts continue to ensure all government and private health facilities are applying necessary infection control procedures.