COVID-19 social distancing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Bold measures in the face of political, economic, social and religious challenges

Yezli, Saber; Khan, Anas

doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101692

Cited by 315 publications

(349 citation statements)

References 16 publications

(19 reference statements)

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“…Since the KSA has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, several measures were applied, including in the holy cities Makkah and Madinah, to protect people from further infection [ 4 •]. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for avoiding super spreader events, Saudi Arabia suspended the Umrah on March 03, 2020 [ 59 ].…”

Section: Response Of the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia For Controlling Thementioning

confidence: 99%

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Hajj and Umrah Mass Gatherings and COVID-19 Infection

et al. 2020

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Purpose of Review We discuss the risk of COVID-19 in religious mass gathering events including Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Recent Findings The risk of transmission of respiratory viruses including COVID-19 is particularly high due to the overcrowding conditions at the Hajj and Umrah. The profile of the Hajj pilgrims who tend to be older and with multiple comorbidities corresponds to that of individuals at risk for severe COVID-19. In order to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak with potential spreading to many countries through returning pilgrims, Saudi Arabia suspended the Umrah, and access to the 2020 Hajj was very limited. Summary A clear relation between early suspension of religious mass gatherings and lower occurrence of COVID-19 transmission in countries that took such measures promptly was noticed. There are lessons to national and international health organizations for other mass gatherings in the context of the pandemic.

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Section: Response Of the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia For Controlling Thementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj in terms of religious value, according to a statement that is attributed to the Prophet Mohammad [ 3 ]. Together, the Hajj and Umrah involve over 10 million participants each year [ 4 •].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hajj and Umrah Mass Gatherings and COVID-19 Infection

et al. 2020

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“…in the case of Saudi Arabia, there might be a belief that the risk is low if they are practicing some degree of preventive measures). Moreover, in Saudi Arabia, religious beliefs tend to have a stronger effect on elderly health behaviors and perceptions (7). As for the differences between genders, females tend to have higher perceived susceptibility and adoption of preventive measures compared to males across different studies (12,28,32,33,36,37).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Perceptions Towards COVID-19 and Adoption of Preventive Measures Among the Public in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study

Alkhaldi

Aljuraiban

Alhurishi

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: Effective management of the spread of a novel infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 virus can be achieved through influencing people’s behavior to adopt preventive measures. The public’s perceptions and attitudes towards the virus, governmental guidance and preventive measures were unknown in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: Identify the anxiety level, risk perception, information sources, adoption of preventive measures, and ability and willingness to self-isolate during and post-lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigate socio-demographic factors associated with adoption of preventive measures against COVID-19 and self-isolation.Method: Between April 22nd and June 21st 2020, Saudi adults aged ≥18 years completed an open web-based survey including questions on anxiety level, COVID-19 risk perceptions and adoption of preventive measures. Weighted percentages, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression were applied to evaluate associations between these factors and socio-demographic variables. Results: A total of 2,393 respondents filled-out the survey with around (27.2%) aged 35-44 years old. Around 11% of the respondents reported high anxiety level, 74% were worried about the COVID-19 outbreak, and of those, 27% reported that it is likely that they will be infected with COVID-19 with 16% believing it will be life-threatening or severe. Adoption of hygiene practices and social distancing were lower among older (65+ years) compared to younger (18-24 years) respondents (OR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.28, OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27), respectively. Around 88% reported being able and 82% willing to self-isolate. Those with the lowest gross household income and those with at least one flu symptom were less able and willing to self-isolate. A significant increase was reported in levels of anxiety, perceived effectiveness of social distancing and hygiene practices in the post-lockdown period compared to the lockdown. Conclusions: The study reported high levels of adoption of preventive measures and willingness and perceived ability to self-isolate during the early phase of the pandemic. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, and those with low socio-economic status reported lower adoption of preventive measures or ability and willingness to self-isolate. Tailored public health messages and interventions are needed to achieve high adherence to these preventive measures in these groups.

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“…Hyung-Ju et al ( 2020 ) note that amongst Korean religious communities, there was a delay in reporting transmission of the virus. Yezli and Khan ( 2020 ) discuss how in Saudi Arabian communities’ religious norms and international religious worship practices such as the Hajj (Atique and Itumalla 2020 ) have created significant concerns about the ability to practice social distancing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New Zealand Religious Community Responses to COVID-19 While Under Level 4 Lockdown

et al. 2020

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Social scientific research into the impact of COVID-19 on religious communities is emergent. This research combines interview data ( n = 12) collected, as New Zealand moved into Level 3—Restrict and then Level 4—Lockdown, with Facebook and online news media analysis to understand how religious leaders and their communities responded to COVID-19. Our data found four challenges: (1) The requirement to reassess worship practices, (2) the need to mitigate any potential for community transmission, (3) significant difficulties related to social distancing for communal religious practices, and lastly, (4) welfare and pastoral concerns for congregations and others in need.

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COVID-19 social distancing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Bold measures in the face of political, economic, social and religious challenges

Cited by 315 publications

References 16 publications

Hajj and Umrah Mass Gatherings and COVID-19 Infection

Hajj and Umrah Mass Gatherings and COVID-19 Infection

Perceptions Towards COVID-19 and Adoption of Preventive Measures Among the Public in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study

New Zealand Religious Community Responses to COVID-19 While Under Level 4 Lockdown

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