RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health on Tuesday night revealed a new case of the coronavirus has been discovered in the Kingdom. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 21.

The patient is an Egyptian man who was passing through King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah on the way to Cairo from New York. Health-monitoring, thermal-imaging cameras alerted airport staff that the man’s temperature was elevated. He was placed in quarantine at the airport before being transferred to a hospital in Jeddah. The passenger had been in Egypt before flying to the United States in the 14 days prior to his arrival in Jeddah.

The Ministry of Health assured citizens and residents that all patients who have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus are under quarantine and being treated in accordance with approved health procedures.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Lebanon said two flights have been organized in coordination with Middle East Airlines to evacuate Saudi citizens and their families who wish to leave the country over coronavirus fears. 

One of the flights will leave for King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 8 a.m. on Saturday and the other will leave for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Sunday at  8 a.m.

Anyone in the Kingdom who recently traveled to a country where the coronavirus has spread was urged to contact the Health Service Center by dialing its toll-free number, 937, for advice that will help to protect them, their families and the wider community.

Anyone who is concerned about the virus, or wants more information about it and precautions that can be taken, was encouraged to contact the ministry, which said the public should rely only on information from official sources and not rely on rumors.