Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional, and international arenas. Al-Riyadh, Al-Yaum, Al-Bilad, and Okaz newspapers commented in their editorials on lifting the suspension of attendance in the government and private sectors by saying that, starting from today, the life will return gradually to nature situation based on social divergence and amid precautionary and preventive measures. The papers stressed that the comprehensive awareness and the sense of responsibility of citizens and residents in dealing with this situation will reinforces those efforts made by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to confront the effects of the spread of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19). The papers pointed out that the government of Saudi Arabia has doubled spending to provide all the urgent and necessary needs to face the crisis, in addition to boosting the financial allocations and unlimited support for the health and related services sector. The papers added that these supports mitigate the negative economic impacts on the private sector and maintain the jobs of citizens. Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper said in its editorial that the acting Minister of Economy and Planning stressed that the government continues to finance development projects with a focus to raise spending efficiency and maximize economic and social returns. Acting Minister of Economy and Planning referred to increase economic opportunities for the private sector in infrastructure projects to cross the current stage which was affected by the period of suspension in many economic activities, the paper said. The paper concluded that the possibilities for a return to application of a comprehensive ban or a re-closure of the economy remain and are linked to the extent of the commitment of the economic community to precautionary and preventive measures at this critical stage.
