Vascular and Interventional Radiology Workflow Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Position Statement by the Saudi Interventional Radiology Society

Abstract

On January 21, 2020, the Government of Saudi Arabia started to take precautionary measures to control COVID-19 and limit its spread to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. Through collaboration of several governmental bodies (The Ministry of Health [MOH], The National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, The Saudi Patient Safety Center, The Ministry of Interior, The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Medical Societies, etc.), progressive measures and decisions have been implemented including: • Suspension of travels to and from countries where COVID-19 is endemic on January 26, 2020. On March 15, 2020, all international flights have been suspended, followed by domestic flights and transportation suspension on March 21, 2020 • Suspension of public presence in all sport competitions and games on March 5, 2020, followed by suspension of all sports activities and shutting down private gyms and sport centers on March 14, 2020 • Suspension of Umrah, then prayers in mosques to prevent gathering on March 4, 2020, and March 17, 2020, respectively • Suspension of public and private schooling on March 8, 2020 • A daily curfew from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am for 21 days starting from March 23, 2020.