In an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, Saudi Arabia on Thursday temporarily suspended travel of citizens and residents and halted flights with several countries, including Pakistan.

The move comes as it was confirmed that 45 coronavirus cases have so far been reported, just hours after coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to the Saudi state news agency (SPA) which cited an interior ministry source, the decision covers Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the European Union, Switzerland, Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia. The Kingdom also suspended entry to those coming from these countries.

“Further to the decision of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to temporarily suspend travel of citizens and expatriates to a number of countries where the threat of the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) appeared, the SPA stated.

The decision gives a 72-hour period for the citizens and those with valid residency to return to the Kingdom, before the travel suspension decision becomes effective.

Meanwhile, passenger traffic through all land crossings with Jordan has also been suspended, while commercial and cargo traffic is still allowed, and the passage of exceptional humanitarian cases.

The decision excludes health workers in the Kingdom from Philippines and India, and evacuation, shipping and trade trips taking necessary precautions.