People advised to contact ‘937’ for coronavirus-related queries RIYADH: Saudi government employees on Monday expressed relief over the Kingdom’s decision to temporarily suspend work in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus. Saudi Arabia on Sunday ordered public-sector workers, with the exception of those employed in health, security and military services, to stay at home for 16 days as part of a raft of measure to tackle the deadly coronavirus. Majed Sanad, a senior project manager at a university in Riyadh, told Arab News: “The latest measure of closing government offices for 16 days to combat the spread of coronavirus, and other measures taken by the government, are truly appreciated.” Zafar Hasan, an e-learning consultant at King Saud University, said that the move was “crucial and vital for public safety and a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.” The Kingdom on Sunday also announced the closure of shopping centers and malls, restaurants, coffee shops and public parks, with the exception of pharmacies and supermarkets, provided that they sterilized shopping carts after each customer use. In addition, the government has requested companies to quarantine expat workers for 14 days following their arrival from vacation. HIGHLIGHTS • Only workers in the health, security and military services are exempted from the order. • The Kingdom on Sunday also announced the closure of shopping centers and malls, restaurants, coffee shops and public parks. • The government has requested companies to quarantine expat workers for 14 days following their arrival from vacation. Saudi Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah posted a video message on the ministry’s Twitter page asking for cooperation from people in key areas to help contain the spread of the virus. “We are facing a great challenge with the coronavirus spreading rapidly throughout the world,” he said. “Our wise government has implemented a set of precautionary measures to protect citizens, and has urged everyone to cooperate and follow these important points: Avoid handshaking; wash and sterilize hands constantly to ensure safety due to the fact that the hands are the main cause of infection transmission; and avoid gatherings, which also transmit the infection to others. “If you have symptoms or have come from outside the Kingdom, you should isolate yourself in your home for the safety of yourself and loved ones. “It is a patriotic duty that requires cooperation from all of us to achieve such an objective, and the 937 service center is ready to respond to your inquiries related to the coronavirus,” added Al-Rabiah.