The outpouring of support for Saudi doctor infected with COVID-19

Cairo: A young Saudi doctor has triggered an outpouring of support after he tweeted that he had contracted the new coronavirus while on duty and transmitted it to his family.

“I didn’t imagine one day that all of us would go to the hospital because of me,” Dr Omar Hafez, 26, said on Twitter. “I only went out to serve people and help them. Oh Allah, bestow Your mercy and recovery on us,” he added.

Dr Hafez’s tweet drew massive support. Saudi Health Minister Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah wished recovery and safety for Omar and his family. “Society appreciates your sacrifice and that of all health practitioners,” the minister added on Twitter.

Other social media users voiced similar support.

“May Allah end this crisis well,” tweeted a commentator named Mariyam. Another named Mona said: “May Allah bestow recovery on them and protect all of us.”

“May you and your family recover soon, Dr Omar. Allah will not forget us,” said a fellow physician named Dr Hamad.

Dr Omar, who works at a Jeddah hospital, told Saudi daily Okaz that he felt guilty for having transmitted infection to his family including his mother.