Saudi coronavirus vaccine in the offing

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia is developing a vaccine against the novel coronavirus and an announcement about which will be made soon, according to a medical expert.

Dr. Hatem Makhdoom, assistant professor in diagnostic molecular medical virology and deputy president of the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences at Taibah University, revealed that the current epidemiological curve indicates that the Kingdom will reach the stage of stability vis-à-vis the virus by the end of April. He made the remarks during an interview broadcast on “Okaz-Podcast” program titled “From... To.”

Dr. Hatem said that coronavirus does not pass through fingers or hands unless one touches a contaminated surface and then touches his nose, mouth or eye. He pointed out the futility of wearing hand gloves while in supermarkets, saying what if the shoppers touch their mobiles and other personal items after touching the contaminated surface. “What is the use of gloves if someone touches a contaminated surface and then wipes his or her nose, mouth or eyes, he or she would definitely catch the virus.

Dr. Hatem explained that coronavirus inhabits in bats, and it can be transmitted to other animals or humans. There are four viruses from the corona family that cause cold and catarrh and people have not paid attention to them though it is being noticed since 1960s. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has benefited greatly from its experiences in confronting the MERS virus, first in terms of early precautionary measures, in addition to epidemiological monitoring of ports, and laboratory tests. “Even though there is a rise in the cases of the new coronavirus, we find that the number of infections among the health practitioners is very small, and eventually the infection control has been evolved,” he added.