RIYADH: Residents of Saudi Arabia have welcomed the advisory issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health that gatherings of more than 50 people should be avoided in light of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The ministry issued a statement on Thursday advising the public to avoid events, meetings and social gatherings involving more than 50 people, and to avoid shaking hands — one of the main ways in which the virus is transmitted.

The advisory is a “continuation of the awareness-raising campaign on the novel coronavirus launched by the Ministry of Health,” the statement said. “The campaign aims to educate all community members about the coronavirus and the proper behaviors to contain the virus and curb its spread.”

The campaign includes advice such as handwashing with water and soap; sneezing or coughing into a tissue or crooked elbow; and the correct way to wear a face mask.

The statement also stressed that people should only wear a face mask if they are displaying respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing, or taking care of someone who already has coronavirus.

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People can call the 937 Service Center at any time if they have any questions about coronavirus.

Vigilance levels must be increased, the statement said, along with the general public’s sense of responsibility, in order to contain the virus.

People can call the 937 Service Center at any time if they have any questions about coronavirus, the statement stressed.

Speaking to Arab News, Dr. Mona Al-Munajjed, a sociologist, author and adviser on social issues, said, “The advisory issued by our Ministry of Health is crucial for the safety of society and our country. We should refrain completely from public gatherings and events as a measure to stop the virus from spreading.”

Welcoming the decision, Dr. Waquar Ahmad Khan, an assistant professor at the department of languages and translation at Taibah University, said: “Today, the epidemic has become one of the biggest challenges for the entire world. I am confident this kind of advisory will go a long way toward ensuring public safety.”

Dr. Gayas Ahmed Sattar, medical director at Abad Specialized Clinics in Riyadh, told Arab News that his company is “strictly following” the advisory, and has installed “sanitizing solutions” and ‘No Handshaking’ signs in multiple locations around the premises.