JEDDAH — The precautionary and preventive measures taken by the Saudi government aim to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Kingdom, said Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh, Grand Mufti and President of Council of Senior Scholars and General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta in a statement to Saudi Press Agency on Monday. Justifying the decision to suspend Umrah and visits to the holy sites temporarily, Al-Asheikh said the move conforms to the Islamic Shariah rules. He added that measures taken by the Kingdom in combating the new deadly virus are for the wellbeing of the people and reducing its harmful effects, stressing that the safety of human lives and physical health are among the teachings of Islam. The Grand Mufti asked all citizens and residents to cooperate with the authorities, which are exerting great efforts in implementing the safety measures. Al-Asheikh lauded the government"s efforts to combat the epidemic using all its resources to protect the people and the country.