While the agriculture ministry took steps to boost wheat and livestock supplies amid global fears of a food shortage, Saudi Arabia will finance treatment for anyone infected with the Coronavirus in the country, the health minister said on Monday,
Health Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah said King Salman would cover treatment for citizens and residents diagnosed with the virus, urging people with symptoms to get tested.
“We are all in the same boat,” he told a news conference, adding that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was overseeing containment efforts “night and day”.
King Salman, his 84-year-old father, addressed the nation two weeks ago and chaired an extraordinary virtual summit of G20 leaders to advance a global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
G20 trade ministers are holding an emergency video conference on Monday to discuss cooperation on supply chains.
At a separate news conference, the agriculture ministry spokesman said Saudi Arabia would start importing at least 1.2 million tonnes more wheat next month, adding to strategic reserves of over 1 million tonnes.
Abdullah Abalkhail said the kingdom had also expanded the list of countries from which it can import livestock.
Saudi Arabia has taken drastic steps to contain the Coronavirus, halting international flights, closing most public places and imposing a partial curfew.
