Saudi Arabia reports new cases of coronavirus bringing total to 171

Saudi Arabia closed malls and restaurants as well as shops, coffee shops, parks and gardens. (AFP)
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Updated 17 March 2020
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Saudi Arabia reports new cases of coronavirus bringing total to 171

  • The latest cases include a Saudi in the Eastern Province
  • Europeans and North Africans have also been infected

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced 38 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday as the total number infected rose to 171.

It follows 15 cases being announced on Monday.

The new cases on Monday included a two women in the Eastern Province: one Saudi and the other Spanish, who are both in quarantine in health facilities in Qatif and Dhahran respectively.

Two male Moroccans are also now in isolation at a health facility in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

In Jeddah 5 cases have been reported with national from Britain, France, Switzerland, Jordan and Afghanistan. All are under quarantine at health facilities in the Red Sea city.

Two citizens from Turkey and Egypt have also tested positive for the virus in Makkah.

Six individuals have so far recovered from the virus with the rest in isolation.

On Sunday, The Kingdom temporarily suspended government work and ordered public-sector workers to stay home for 16 days. Malls and restaurants as well as shops, coffee shops,  parks and gardens were also ordered shut.


Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula

Updated 06 January 2026
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Saudi watchdog warns of possible health risk from Nestle baby formula

  • Company voluntarily recalls its Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima products over concerns they might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by bacteria
  • Saudi Food and Drug Authority says recall is precautionary and no related illnesses have been reported, but advises consumers to dispose of recalled products immediately

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority on Tuesday warned the public not to consume certain Nestle infant formula products, after the company issued a voluntary recall over concerns about possible contamination.

The advisory covers products marketed under the Nan, Alfamino, S-26 Gold and S-26 Ultima brands. They might be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can pose a risk to infant health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi authority said the recall was a precautionary measure and no related illnesses have been reported. Possible symptoms of exposure can include nausea, repeated vomiting and abdominal pain.

It advised consumers to dispose of the recalled products immediately, and said it was coordinating with Nestle to ensure they are removed from stores and is monitoring the process.

Full details of the affected products, including batch numbers, are available at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority website. The organization said consumers can report any food safety concerns by calling 19999.