GCC health ministers start joint operations room to combat coronavirus

The GCC has established a joint operations room bringing together member countries to coordinate the regional response to the coronavirus. The health ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the GCC, Nayef Al Hajraf, held an online meeting on Saturday to discuss the new plan. The ministers shared the experiences in each member state of tackling and containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, officially called Covid-19, plus the latest statistics and level of preparedness. They discussed education, contingency plans and how the media were responding, the GCC said in a statement. The ministers praised the “tremendous efforts made by health-sector employees in the GCC states and their tangible contributions to curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.” They urged the public to follow the advice, avoid going to gathering places and maintain safety measures. The ministers have established a joint operations room and their respective deputy ministers will hold weekly online meetings to exchange information and coordinate the response across the bloc. The Gulf Health Council, and ministries of health across the GCC, will also issue daily updates on confirmed cases, sources and precautionary measures being taken.

GCC health ministers start joint operations room to combat coronavirus

Officials will hold weekly online meetings to share experiences, responses and discuss next steps