Saudi Arabia expects 200,000 coronavirus cases within weeks, health minister warns

Saudi Arabia is expecting up to 200,000 coronavirus cases within weeks, the country’s health minister said today. 

The Gulf kingdom currently has 2,523 cases, the highest number in the Middle East apart from Iran, and 38 deaths.

‘Within the next few weeks, studies predict the number of infections will range from a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 200,000,’ said minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah, according to state media.  

Some cities including the capital Riyadh are under a 24-hour curfew, while the holy cities of Mecca and Medina have been sealed off. 

The Arab world’s biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants and halted flights as it steps up efforts to contain the virus.

King Salman has warned of a ‘more difficult’ fight ahead against the virus, as the country faces the double blow of an economic standstill and crashing oil prices. 

More to follow.