Expats support Saudi measures against coronavirus

RIYADH: Expats in Saudi Arabia have welcomed the government’s actions to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The Kingdom on Thursday temporarily stopped all travel to and from almost all of Europe and 11 countries in Asia and Africa as the number of coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia jumped to 45.
The new travel ban includes EU member states that had been excluded from last Monday’s travel ban, as well as Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia.
The Saudi Education Ministry on Sunday ordered all schools to remain closed until further notice.
Dr. Kifaya Ifthikar, a dentist from Sri Lanka who works in Riyadh, told Arab News: “The current travel ban, and the measures taken by the government through the health and education ministries, are truly appreciated. It shows how much they care for the welfare of the people, and also for the containment of this pandemic.”
Dr. Mansour Memon, a sociocultural physician from Pakistan who works in the Saudi capital, told Arab News that “the coronavirus outbreak has been labelled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization,” and is “affecting 125 countries and territories.”
He said: “In order to change the course of the outbreak, nations are required to take urgent action. Hence the recent travel ban and other restrictions here are in line with the premise of a safe and healthy nation.”
He added: “A timely decision makes a fine balance between protecting health and minimizing disruption. This is the need of the time, and has been taken with thorough consideration of all positives and negatives.”
Memon said several countries have issued similar restrictions with positive results. “We’re in this together to do the right things calmly and protect the citizens of the world,” he added.
Dr. Mohammed Pasha, an Indian paediatrician, advised parents not to panic, and to follow basic steps to help reduce risks.
“Please keep your hands clean, keep a distance from sick people, wash hands with clean running water then lather them with soap,” he told Arab News.
“Don’t miss the back of the hands, between fingers or under nails. Make sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.”
Mohammed Arshad Ali Khan, a senior staffer at an Indian school and a former general secretary of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Due to the prevailing situation because of coronavirus, the Kingdom has taken some preventive measures that include a temporary travel ban. This is good to combat the spread of coronavirus.”
But he said expats from these countries are concerned about their travel plans as many of them have had to cancel tickets and reschedule.
“We respect the decision, which is for the safety of human beings, but at the same time people are concerned about their regular plans,” he added.
“One of my friend’s family has gone to India in an emergency, and they need to return now because their exit re-entry visa will expire in a few days. Some students will be traveling to India for higher education after board exams, which are nearing the end now.”
Rene Lagunero, a Filipino worker in Riyadh, told Arab News that the Kingdom’s precautions are for the best interests of the people.