Riyadh, April 01, 2020, SPA -- The committee concerned with following up the health situation of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) held here today its 42nd meeting under chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawazan Al-Rabiah in presence of the committee's members representing a number of relevant governmental entities. The committee reviewed the reports and developments of the virus as well as the epidemiological situation of the virus worldwide including the confirmed cases in the Kingdom and assuring their health situations, affirming the importance of continuation of applying and enhancing all precautionary measures in all entry ports as well as all precautionary measures to confront and contain this virus. The committee hailed everyone's commitment with the curfew order, calling on them to stay at home except in cases if the necessity arises. Following the meeting, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Colonel Sami Al-Shwerikh, Security Spokesperson of the Public Security, and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Nasser Al-Hazani held a joint press conference. The Spokesperson of the Health Ministry disclosed that the total number of confirmed cases with the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world amounted to 874,000, adding that 185,000 cases recovered so far. He disclosed that the number of deaths reached 43,000. "As many as 157 new cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in the Kingdom, including travel-linked one case who is isolated since their arrival to the Kingdom's port. 156 cases are recorded recently for persons who were in contact with previous cases. All of the cases are under health observation," he added. "The confirmed cases covered many cities in the Kingdom, including 78 in Madinah, 55 in Makkah, 7 in Riyadh, 6 in Qatif, 3 in Jeddah, 3 in Hafouf, 2 in Tabuk, 2 in Taif and 1 in Al-Hanakiah," he said. The Health Spokesperson stated that the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom are 1,720, adding that all cases are receiving medical care and stable, except 30 critical cases in the intensive care units. He announced six new deaths for residents and a citizen, bringing the total number of deaths to 16. He added that 99 cases are recovered, bringing the total number of the recoverees to 264. He called on everyone, who has symptoms or would like to assess, to use the self-assessment service in MAWID electronic application, inquire or consult the Health Center (937) around the clock. --More 21:07 LOCAL TIME 18:07 GMT 0040 COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Affirms Importance of Enhancing Precautionary Measures 2 Riyadh For his part, Colonel Sami Al-Shwerikh, Security Spokesperson of the Public Security, urged all segments of the society to stay at home if there is no need to go outside in light of heavy presence of people in the markets and gatherings, affirming that staying at homes is the successful way to limit the COVID-19 spread. He pointed out that the Public Security received more than 37,000 requests via the email, adding that 300 requests are accepted due to their urgent need for movement. For his part, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Nasser Al-Hazani, stated that the ministry allocated SR 17 billion to confront implications of the COVID-19 crisis in line with the Kingdom's efforts to contain this virus. --SPA 21:20 LOCAL TIME 18:20 GMT 0041 www.spa.gov.sa/w1299299