Saudi Cabinet says it is confident of controlling coronavirus outbreak

Ministers met online to discuss the virus and other major issues in the kingdom as government work continues

Worshippers take photographs of the Kaaba inside Mecca's Grand Mosque a day after Saudi authorities emptied Islam's holiest site for sterilisation over fears of the new coronavirus COVID-19. AFP

An almost empty Kaaba at the Grand Mosque is seen after Saudi authority suspended umrah amid the fear of coronavirus outbreak. Reuters

A view of Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, which is almost empty of worshippers. Reuters

Kaaba at the Grand Mosque is almost empty of worshippers. Reuters

A view of Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, which is almost empty of worshippers. Reuters

The Kaaba, inside Mecca's Grand Mosque, is shown to be empty of worshippers on Thursday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AFP

Small groups of pilgrims walk around the Kaaba. AFP

Workers sterilize the ground in front of the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo

Municipal workers are seen in empty courtyard the Kaaba. AFP

Few prayed around the Kaaba in Makkah on Thursday. AP Photo

A pilgrim wears a mask as he visits the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP Photo

A Saudi policeman stands guard in front of the Kaaba. AP Photo

A pilgrim films pigeons outside the Grand Mosque. AP Photo

Indonesian pilgrims, who entered Mecca before visas were halted, wait their bus to leave home in Makkah. AP Photo

Far smaller crowds than usual of Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo

The white-tiled area surrounding the Kaaba is shown empty of worshippers. AFP

The Saudi Cabinet assured the public that even with the number of cases increasing, the government has the tools to bring the coronavirus outbreak in the kingdom under control.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported ministers held a virtual Cabinet session on Tuesday and “affirmed the kingdom’s ability to deal with the pandemic and its effects on society and the national economy”.

Information Minister Majid Al Qasabi highlighted the ruling to provide free medical care to all who contract the virus, including those without valid residency permits.

Ministers noted that last week King Salman took a proactive approach internationally by convening a video summit of leaders of the G20 economies to discuss the global response.

Ministers also highlighted the kingdom’s work with friendly nations and international bodies to control the spread of coronavirus.

GCC health ministers have been meeting regularly online to co-ordinate a regional response.

The Cabinet noted that food supply flows were secure and that money “was made available to guarantee the continuation of government sector work and stimulating economic activity", the agency said.

Authorities have imposed curfews, sealed off major cities and urged people to hold off planning a Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Mohammad Benten, Saudi Minister of Hajj, told state TV this week that Muslims should wait before preparing for the pilgrimage because of uncertainty caused by the virus.

On Tuesday, the government reported two new deaths from coronavirus, taking the death toll to 10.

Saudi Arabia has recorded more than 1,500 cases in the kingdom.