<span style="color: #222222;">Saudi Arabia, which is presently in chair, has proposed to convene an extraordinary virtual G-20 Leaders' Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Saudi Press Agency reported that the G20 will act, alongside international organizations, in any way deemed necessary to alleviate the impact of the pandemic. G-20 Leaders will put forward a coordinated set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Summit will build on the ongoing efforts of the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, senior health, trade, and foreign affairs officials, to further develop the precise requirements and actions needed.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Saudi Presidency will continue to support and coordinate international efforts to counter the impact of the pandemic, both in human and economic terms.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said yesterday that mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, an exceptional move to limit the spread of the coronavirus which has infected 171 people in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia had earlier announced to close Umrah pilgrimage as also international flights. Educational institutions have also been closed down as a precautionary measure.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments had already announced to temporarily suspend prayers in all places of worship across the nation from 16th of March, for a period of four weeks as precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the Corona virus, COVID-19.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">According to the State TV, Oman which reported 33 cases of COVID-19 have taken a decision to close mosques, restaurants, coffee shops, tourist sites and traditional markets and malls, except groceries and pharmacies from today.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Qatar has reported 443 cases of infected persons while UAE has a total of 113 positive cases of COVID-19. In Kuwait 130 cases have been reported.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">COVID-19 has spread its tentacles in the Middle East and a number of cases have been reported from these countries, with Iran being the epicenter where more than 16000 cases have been reported with 988 deaths. However, there are reports of 5,300 cases who have reportedly recovered as well. </span><br />