RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman yesterday pledged to continue measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and urged citizens to work together to confront the global pandemic.
“We are living through a difficult period in the history of the world, but we are fully aware that it will pass despite its cruelty, bitterness and difficulty,” he said in a televised address to the nation.
In a five-minute speech, he urged people to act with solidarity and co-operation and to adhere to official directives.
Saudi Arabia recorded 36 new infections yesterday, bringing its total to 274 with no deaths so far.
It has taken drastic measures to address the outbreak, including halting international flights, suspending the Umrah year-round pilgrimage to Mecca, closing mosques, schools, malls and restaurants, and asking people to stop going to work.
Saudi Arabia has prepared a 50 billion riyal ($13bn) package to help small- and medium-sized enterprises cope, and has cut its state budget by nearly five per cent.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has talked by phone with several foreign leaders since the country went into virtual lockdown last week. The government has halted its regular Cabinet meetings.