Dr. Walid Al-Manea, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, confirmed that work is underway to facilitate the arrival of the second group of citizens currently in Iran through the International Covid-19 Repatriation Programme, in accordance with international and medical  procedures. 

Dr. Al Manea affirmed that the Ministry had chartered a plane to evacuate the second group on Thursday, 19 March, but the company which had agreed to operate the flight were unable to assist at this time. Dr Al-Manea noted that the Ministry will take any means necessary to arrange a suitable alternative arrangement as soon as possible.

On this note, Dr. Al-Manea explained that the Ministry is continuing its efforts to intensify all measures to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include immediate laboratory tests for all evacuated citizens on arrival in the Kingdom, under the supervision of a specialised medical team. Based on the results of the tests, citizens will either be transferred to a precautionary quarantine centre or isolation and treatment centres, according to the guidelines and standards approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).