(Karachi) Saudi Arabia has become the first country in Arab world to issue scientific papers related to coronavirus pandemic, Arab News reported on Wednesday. The Kingdom has been ranked 25th globally and second in the Middle East for clinical research and studies on the virus.

As per details, King Salman chaired a virtual session of the cabinet which reviewed various aspects related to the fight against the spread of the virus. During 24 hours, the Kingdom reported 385 cases of COVID-19 and 16 deaths. A total of 5,217 people have died in Saudi Arabia of the disease while the total number of cases have reached 339,267. The number of active cases undergoing treatment is 8,894.

The cabinet was also briefed on the progress of the second phase of the gradual easing of restrictions for Umrah pilgrimages and prayers within Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between Prophet Muhammad's grave and his pulpit) for citizens and expatriates from inside the Kingdom.

The phase will allow up to 15,000 Umrah performers and 40,000 worshipers or about 75 percent of the capacity in consideration of health protocols to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.

In the first phase, the Saudi government had allowed those within the Kingdom to perform Umrah at a capacity of 30 percent from October 4, equivalent to 6,000 pilgrims per day.