![Image of a school in Saudi Arabia [Twitter]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2016_12_27-school-in-Saudi-Arabia.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Schools and universities across Saudi Arabia will be closed from today to control the spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Education announced.
All educational institutions, including public and private schools, technical and vocational training institutions are expected to be closed until further notice.
The Saudi Ministry of Education said the “preventive and precautionary” measures were recommended by the health authorities to protect students and staff.
“The Minister of Education directed that virtual schools and distance education be activated while the schools are closed to ensure that the educational process continues in an effective and quality manner,” the ministry added.
READ: Closure of Gaza schools extended for 1 week
The kingdom is conducting daily and weekly evaluations before deciding on the date when students can return to school, Riyadh’s Education Minister, Hamad Bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, is reported saying.
Saudi has taken a number of measures to control the spread of the virus. Over the weekend it imposed a temporary lockdown on its eastern Qatif province after 11 cases were identified there. It has also suspended visas for Umrah pilgrimage and tourism.
This ban was extended last week to Saudi citizens and residents while the area around the Kabaa was cleaned and disinfected.