Provide broad guidelines for the business to manage the

impact of a possible Novel Corona Virus (NCoV) outbreak in

the various areas within MESCAT which has the potential to
affect Engie employees, temporary workers and contractors
and its operations.
 News Alert !
The Ministry of Health (MoH) reports a notable 27 new infections of
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) last
week from June 4-10, 2017
25 of these 27 cases were in Riyadh, with the remaining two in
Medina and Hofuf.

The following new cases were reported:

Three on June 4, one in Medina and two asymptomatic in
Riyadh.
Four on June 5, all in Riyadh and two of which are asymptomatic.
Three on June 6, two asymptomatic in Riyadh and one in Hofuf,
Eastern Province.
Five on June 7, all in Riyadh and four of which are asymptomatic.
Five on June 8, all in Riyadh and four of which are asymptomatic.
Six on June 9, all in Riyadh and all asymptomatic.
One on June 10 in Riyadh.
 In Saudi Arabia, MERS-CoV has infected 1549
people since 2012 and it has so far claimed the
lives of 641 people.
Globally, 2015 laboratory-confirmed cases of
infection with MERS-CoV including at least 703
related deaths have been reported to WHO since
2012.
 The primary objective is to prevent the spread of
the virus via human to human contact.

The secondary objective is to provide guidance on

the actions to be taken if it is suspected that a
person has contracted NCoV.
 What is NCoV?
Corona viruses are common viruses that most people get
some time in their life. Human corona viruses usually cause
mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses.
Corona viruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their
surface. There are three main sub-groupings of corona
viruses, known as alpha, beta and gamma, and a fourth
provisionally-assigned new group called delta corona viruses.
 What is NCoV?
Human corona viruses were first identified in the mid 1960s.
The five corona viruses that can infect people are: alpha
corona viruses 229E and NL63 and beta corona viruses
OC43, HKU1, and SARS-CoV, the corona virus that causes
severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Corona viruses may also infect animals. Most of these corona

viruses usually infect only one animal species or, at most, a
small number of closely related species.
 What are the symptoms?
Human corona viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-
respiratory tract illnesses of short duration. Symptoms may
include runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever. These
viruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses,
such as pneumonia. This is more common in people with
cardiopulmonary disease or compromised immune systems,
or the elderly.

Most people who are infected with the Novel Corona Virus
(NCoV) develop severe acute respiratory illness with
symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Where is the risk?

Kidney failure is also a possible symptom.
 How can the virus spread?
The ways that human corona viruses spread have not
been sufficiently studied, except for SARS. However, it is
likely that human corona viruses spread from an infected
person to others through:-
The air by coughing and sneezing, and
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking
hands.
These viruses may also spread by touching contaminated
objects or surfaces then touching your mouth, nose, or
eyes.
How can the virus spread?
Until more is understood about MERS-CoV, people with
diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and
immunocompromised persons are considered to be at high
risk of severe disease from MERS-CoV infection.
Therefore, these people should avoid close contact with
animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or
barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially
circulating
How can individuals protect themselves?
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human corona
virus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by:-

Avoid contact with sick people, including in healthcare facilities.

Avoid contact with live animals, especially camels, and their environments such
as farms, markets or barns.
Pay attention to general hygiene:
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching your face.
Keep some distance from people who are coughing, sneezing or appear sick.
Ensure any food or drink for consumption is safe - thoroughly washed, peeled,
boiled, cooked through etc. Do not eat or drink raw camel products including
raw camel milk and undercooked meat.
Should you require medical attention, call any assistance center and we will
arrange an appropriate referral.
Anyone who develops a fever and respiratory symptoms (such as cough) which
are more than mild should seek medical attention and mention their travel history.
You may also be required to disclose information about your medical and
travel history when visiting other countries.
What should a person do if they are infected?
If you have an illness caused by human corona viruses, you
can help protect others by:-

Staying home while you are sick,

Avoiding close contact with others,
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze,
and
Keeping objects and surfaces clean and disinfected.
 How to get NCoV diagnosed?
By Specific laboratory test:-

Virus isolation in cell culture,

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays that are more
practical and available commercially, and
Serological testing for antibodies to human corona viruses
 Are there treatments?
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by
human corona viruses.
Most people with corona virus illness will recover on their own.
However, some things can be done to relieve your symptoms,
such as:-
Taking pain and fever medications
(Caution: Aspirin should not be given to children)
Using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease
a sore throat and cough.
Drink plenty of liquids, and
Stay home and rest.