As an infectious diseases expert at the ministry, Dr. Asiri explained that the surveillance network comprises 30 hospitals and 70 primary healthcare centers, strategically located to collect data. These centers will scrutinize respiratory cases, including swabs, at two stages: initial testing for influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus at the centers themselves and further detailed analysis for other pathogens, including influenza subtypes and coronavirus genetic sequencing, at the Public Health Authority (Weqaya) labs.

Dr. Asiri cautioned about the risk of respiratory infections rebounding to pre-COVID-19 levels due to lax prevention efforts. He reassured, however, that currently, only typical viruses and bacteria are circulating and no new epidemics have emerged.