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Saudi Arabia says it will pay for coronavirus patients' treatment

Saudi Arabia has the highest known rate of coronavirus infection in the Gulf, with eight deaths so far out of over a thousand cases.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz speaks via video link during a virtual G20 summit on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 26, 2020. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC2PRF9ANFVP

As Saudi Arabia scrambles to contain its coronavirus outbreak, its health minister said Monday the government will pay for the treatment of anyone in the country who is diagnosed with COVID-19. 

Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said those experiencing symptoms should take the test for the virus. He added that citizens and residents — including expats and those in violation of residency laws — who tested positive would have their medical expenses covered by the government.

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