With the growing rate of coronavirus cases in the Kingdom, the Saudi health minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah provided the public with a new and optimistic perspective regarding the surge in cases.
The increase in COVID-19 cases was due to the testing en masse all across the Kingdom to help mitigate the pandemic virus. He added that the global death rate from the disease was ten times higher than in Saudi Arabia. “The death rate from coronavirus in the Kingdom is low, at 0.7%,” Al-Rabiah said.
In his video announcement broadcasted on El-Ekhbariya station, he insured the public that there was plenty of capacity in Saudi hospitals if need be, stating that: “Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the government has allocated thousands of ICU beds and respirators, of which 96% is still available. Thankfully, with you taking the necessary precautions, we won’t need them,” Al-Rabiah said.
“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the government has allocated thousands of ICU beds and respirators, of which 96 percent is still available. Thankfully, with you taking the necessary precautions, we won’t need them.” –Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah in a video message. pic.twitter.com/2OWMHSBYja
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) May 6, 2020
Indeed, mass screening allowed for cases to be caught early on and be treated before symptoms worsened. All the while lauding the Ministry’s efforts in containing the virus, Al Rabiah warned his audience to remain cautious during these uncertain times, especially to people above 65 years old and those who suffer from chronic diseases or respiratory problems. “We are still at risk and your support and cooperation in taking all precautions is very important because you are our partners in facing this pandemic,” he added.
