Saudi nurse
A nurse in Saudi Arabia who is undergoing treatment for the coronavirus flashes the V-sign at the hospital. Image Credit: Online photo

Cairo: A veteran nurse has contracted the new coronavirus in the Saudi holy city of Medina and is now receiving medical treatment at hospital, a local health official has said.

The patient, a Filipina, is the oldest-serving nurse at Uhud Hospital in the city, having been doing the job for 22 years, spokesman for the Medina Health Directorate Muayed Abu Unuq was quoted by the Saudi newspaper Okaz as saying.

“She is now staying in the hospital, receiving a superb service. She is in high spirits,” he added. Neither the name nor age of the nurse was given.

Saudi officials have repeatedly praised health workers’ efforts in battling COVID-19.

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Saturday night paid tribute to health professionals in the country for their “firm and steadfast” fight against the disease.