Social gatherings cause 33 percent of coronavirus infections in Saudi Arabia

Thirty three percent of coronavirus infections in Saudi Arabia are due to people coming into contact with previously infected individuals and taking part in social gatherings such as weddings, funerals and family meetings, the ministry of foreign affairs said on Sunday.

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The ministry urged people to stay at home to protect themselves, their families and their society from the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia reported 48 new cases over the last 24 hours bringing the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Kingdom up to 392, 16 of them have recovered.

The ministry of health said there are currently 7,067 people in quarantine.

Saudi Arabia taking measures against coronavirus

Saudi Arabia has introduced a number of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, known technically as COVID-19.

On Saturday, the Kingdom suspended all domestic flights, buses, taxis and trains for 14 days. The exceptions the measure are transportation associated with health services, food and water, as well as cargo ships and freights.

The move came the day after Saudi Arabia announced it would halt entry and prayers in the outer courtyards of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman gave a televized address on Thursday in which he said the government was taking all the required measures to combat coronavirus.

“Your nation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to take all precautionary measures to confront this pandemic and limit its effects. We depend on the aid of God Almighty, then on deploying our full capabilities, supported by your strong determination to face adversities with the steadfastness of believers at the forefront,” King Salman said.