Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — As Saudi returnees are being kept in five-star quarantines, one wonders what exactly is happening there. Providing details of the entire process, the adviser to the Director of Health Affairs in Jeddah Governorate Dr. Khalid Bawakid said that there are now 14 quarantine facilities spread over several hotels where the rooms are being prepared for the guests. The work begins the moment a guest arrives in the facility. He/she undergoes all required measures to prevent transmission of any infection. The person is then trained on how to sanitize his/ her hands, use a face mask, wear gloves, and how to remove and dispose of them safely. During the second stage, the vital signs of the guest are recorded as it is important to focus on signs, like body temperature, coughing, sneezing, etc. Additionally, the guest is asked if he or she has any other underlying health conditions which need to be followed up and treated, particularly diabetes and blood pressure. After checking up on the health of the guest, he or she is transferred to a special room that is well-prepared and equipped with everything needed to prevent the infection. The guest is provided with toiletries and sanitary items like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, sanitizers, sterilizers, etc., which can finally be disposed of in a safe manner. Meanwhile, the workers in the hotel, including cleaners, receptionists and room service staff have undergone special training on how to deal with the guests. Furthermore, all the luggage and baggage is sterilized before shifting them to a specific location and then to the guests' rooms. Dr. Bawakid added that there are well-equipped clinics that function 24/7, where there are doctors, specialists and consultants in family and general medicine, staying in the same hotel. As a matter of fact, nine quarantines have been readied, some of which have been allocated for positive cases and the rest for suspected cases, the Assistant Director of Health Affairs for Planning and Assistant Supervisor General of Quarantines for COVID-19 Patients Dr. Nuha Dashash, said. She added that the quarantine facilities have integrated medical teams and clinics for all the medical needs. At present, new facilities are being prepared to receive Saudi returnees from abroad. As to the Supervisor of Countering Infection at the quarantine Saadah Al-Mutairi, she said: "There are measures and preparations undertaken prior to receiving guests in the quarantines. They include readying the zone for receiving guests, for hand sanitizing and putting on face masks, apart from waiting areas, and others for registering all details. Among the precautionary measures is allocating a special passage and a special lift for the guests.
