Anticipation of COVID-19 spread and prevention strategies in Saudi Arabia, a leader in worldwide pandemics management

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]. These viruses harboring the largest genome of 26 to 32kilobases amongst RNA viruses were termed “CoVs” because of their crown-like morphology under an electron microscope [2]. Coronaviruses can cause a variety of severe diseases including respiratory tract diseases and gastroenteritis, and have been identified in mice, rats, chickens, turkeys, swine, dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, cattle, and humans [3-4]. Four human coronaviruses have been identified. HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 were identified in the mid-1960s [5], Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) causes a life-threatening pneumonia [6], and the most recent one is Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Since December 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak has become a pandemic that is threatening global health across the world [7]. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a scientific methodology and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection outbreak to patients and health care providers. It is grounded in infections, the study of disease transmission, sociology and health system reinforcing. IPC occupies a unique position in the field of patient safety and quality universal health coverage. [8]. Saudi Arabia (SA) had a proactive response which has been recognized by doctors and hospitals around the world. This included temporary prohibitions on Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque due to crowds of visitors from all over the world. Another factor was terminating all forms of public transportation. Additional measures will be discussed in this review in detail.