COVID-19: Saudi Doctor Stops His Son From Hugging Him, Breaks Down

This six-second clip tells the powerful story of doctors and healthcare professionals in these COVID-19 times.

A doctor in Saudi Arabia returns home, and as his son runs to him for a hug, the doctor stops him - for fear of infecting him - and breaks down under pressure.

Social media across the world has been flooded with reports and posts on the COVID-19 crisis. But few succeed in throwing light on the plight of healthcare professionals, policemen and sanitary workers like this tweet does.

The video has clocked over 11 million views across platforms.

Take a look:

A Saudi doctor returns home from the hospital, tells his son to keep his distance, then breaks down from the strain. pic.twitter.com/0ER9rYktdT

— Mike (@Doranimated) March 26, 2020

But as is usual with all things viral, the video has elicited mixed responses, with some calling it staged.

The doctor may be wrong in touching his face, but...
This is the purest emotional love between the little kid (who does not know much about the seriousness of the issue) and the father (who just realized the seriousness). His only concern at that time, is to safe guard his son.

— The Boss 😎 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 (@Power79646739) March 26, 2020

The fear and emotional exhaustion just pour off this man.

— Michelle Wilson (@MichelleLWil) March 27, 2020

It's not the same scrub he wears at the hospital. We don't leave doctors exposed to the virus like that. They wear coverups, and they have to put them in washable bags and leave them. He has his uniform to show authority on the road he's out for work during stay at home order.

— Amal 🇸🇦 (@Amal_turtle) March 27, 2020