Saudi Arabia confirms 1st COVID-19 case
Xinhua
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SAUDI ARABIA-ABHA-MARKET

Local honey traders greet visitors at the entrance of the Thulatha Market in Abha, Asir Province, Saudi Arabia, on March 19, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)

RIYADH, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia registered on Monday the first novel coronavirus case, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Health Ministry revealed that the case is a Saudi national traveling from Iran to the kingdom through Bahrain.

The ministry said that a medical team was sent for medical tests that were positive. He was kept in isolation in the hospital, while those who made contact with him are being tested.

The ministry confirmed that the test results would be announced soon.

Saudi Arabia has taken precautionary measures to prevent the spreading of the virus after cases were registered in neighboring countries, such as temporary suspension of Umrah and tourism visas.