Riyadh, March 22, 2020, SPA -- The committee concerned with following up the health situation of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) affirmed the importance of continuation of applying and enhancing all precautionary measures in all entry ports. The committee held today its 32nd meeting under chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawazan Al-Rabiah and in presence of the members of all governmental relevant entities. During the meeting, the committee reviewed all reports and developments of the virus as well as the epidemiological situation of the virus worldwide including the confirmed cases in the Kingdom. The committee urged all to stay home and no going outside except the need arises. Following the meeting, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, spokesman of the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the total number of confirmed cases with the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world amounted to 312,000 cases, adding that 94,000 cases recovered so far. He disclosed that the number of deaths reached 13,400. "So far, 511 cases are confirmed in the Kingdom, with an increase of 199 new cases. Seven cases are confirmed for persons coming from abroad and are isolated now. 72 cases, with no emergence of symptoms, from Turkey are healthy isolated at a hotel in Makkah. These cases were detected early during the epidemiological investigation for a previous case which was announced a week ago. 40 cases are recorded for people who were in contact with previous cases on occasions and gatherings or family meetings," he said. He added that the new cases covered many regions and governorates in the Kingdom, including 72 in Makkah, 34 in Riyadh, 4 in Qatif, 3 in Khobar, 3 in Ahsa, and one case in each Qassim, Dhahran and Dammam. He also announced the recovery of 18 cases with no deaths, disclosing all cases are adult, except 17 cases for children. Dr. Al-Abd Al-Aali affirmed that the advanced laboratory examinations exceeded 23,000 cases which are all negative, pointing out that the Health Center (937) received 280,000 calls about the new Coronavirus. The Spokesman of the Health Ministry urged all to abide by the instructions for their safety and health, calling to avoid shaking hands, washing hands continuously, staying away from gatherings and applying 14-day health isolation for anyone coming from abroad. He called on everyone to take advantage of the self-assessment service about the symptoms of the new Coronavirus, which is available on MAWID electronic application. Dr. Al-Abd Al-Aali urged anyone coming from infected areas to communicate with the Health Center (937), warning from rumors about this virus. --SPA 18:10 LOCAL TIME 15:10 GMT 0030 www.spa.gov.sa/w1292837