Campaign educates people on coronavirus

The Ministry of Health has launched the second educational campaign about coronavirus, otherwise known as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-COV).
The campaign aims to educate the public about the disease and to give out information on the latest developments and precautionary measures to be taken. Informative material is broadcast and distributed through media outlets such as text messages, postings on social media sites and ads on TV and radio, as well as newspapers and magazines.
The ministry is also distributing pamphlets on the facts and preventative measures about the disease. It has printed signs to be displayed at health institutions, public places, and airports, especially now that school vacations have begun and people are traveling for the summer.
The campaign follows the first educational campaign launched earlier, which included a number of activities like the holding of press conferences by senior ministry officials, WHO experts and TV interviews, as well as interviews on TV satellite channels and radio stations.
The ministry is also issuing regular updates. It has established a dedicated website to educate the public about the new virus on www.moh.gov.sa. The site includes a counter and an electronic map showing the number and location of infected cases. The site also includes FAQ’s about the virus.
When the virus was first detected in Saudi Arabia, authorities began communicating with local and international experts and the WHO almost immediately.
They also invited experts from Columbia University to conduct a field and environmental survey to arrive at definitive conclusions that will help in the prevention of the disease. Specialists from Canada and the US assessed the efforts of the ministry and visited hospitals and infected patients. These experts provided guidance on a systematic approach for prevention. The ministry publishes updates regarding new cases and those already diagnosed with the disease.