Riyadh, Mar 9 (IANS): Saudi Arabia early Monday suspended travel to and from nine countries including the UAE due to coronavirus concerns. The country also announced that schools and universities in the kingdom are suspended in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The decision, to be enforced as of March 9, will continue till further notice, the Saudi Press Agency said, quoting a statement by the education ministry on Sunday, Xinhua reported.

The decision came one day after schools and universities were suspended in Qatif region over reported COVID-19 cases there.

Travel is also suspended to and from Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Italy, South Korea and Syria. Saudi Arabia has so far registered 11 COVID-19 cases.

Mohammed Alabed Alali addressing media

Mohammed Alabed Alali, Saudi Arabia's health ministry spokesman, addressed media during a press briefing about COVID-19 coronavirus disease in Riyadh on Sunday, March 8. The ministry said virtual education programs would be activated to ensure students will not miss their studies.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended entry for individuals seeking to perform Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca or visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina, as well as tourists traveling from countries where the coronavirus poses a risk as determined by the Kingdom’s health authorities.