Yemen’s internationally recognized government has canceled flights to and from the country’s airports for two weeks, and ordered the closure of schools and judiciary institutions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The preventative measures come despite no coronavirus cases being identified in Yemen yet.
A statement from the office of Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik said the suspension exempted flights for humanitarian purposes. The key airports the government controls are in Aden, Sayoun and Mukalla.
The Health Ministry asked all groups and forces of society to join hands and support its efforts in confronting the emerging coronavirus and preventing its arrival in Yemen.
An official statement issued by the ministry called on all institutions and individuals to uphold their national and humanitarian duty.
“The ministry is working to provide all capabilities to confront this pandemic, and to offer all health preventative measures,” the statement added, noting that the ministry is also in contact with relevant government agencies across Yemen for coordination.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of the role played by the media, adding that the government role does not replace individual efforts by citizens. It also warned Yemenis against believing rumors and to only trust statements issued by the ministry.
The ministry added it will strengthen the monitoring procedures at all seaports and take the necessary steps to enable conducting the required screening of all personnel onboard cargo ships safely.
It will also allocate an “emergency budget” of one billion Yemeni riyals ($4 million) to support the health sector and enable it to implement the precautionary and preventative measures to protect the country from the spread of the coronavirus.
Two days ago, the Yemeni government held an emergency meeting headed by Prime Minister Abdulmalik. It approved a number of precautionary and preventive measures based on the recommendations of the National Emergency Committee.
