As coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the world, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are on the front lines.

This takes a heavy toll.

A video surfaced on Twitter showing a Saudi doctor breaking into tears after he had to stop his son from trying to hug him.

On his returning home from the hospital, his son ran to his arms but the doctor yelled “No, No” and stepped back.

After warning his son to keep his distance, the doctor breaks down from the strain and starts to cry.

A Gulf News report later identified the doctor as Nasser Ali Al Shahrani, who said his act was aimed at raising public awareness about the highly infectious disease as well as the grim reality of healthcare professionals.

Talking to a leading Saudi newspaper Okaz, the doctor, who is attached with King Salman Hospital in Riyadh, said, “The clip aimed to make citizens and residents aware of hazards of the coronavirus and to comply with arrangements and instructions of the Health Ministry.”

There was some criticism regarding the doctor returning home in his scrubs, but Dr Ali said that all hospital employees left their protective gloves and face masks in the hospital before leaving. The doctor added that he usually called his wife before going home and would instruct her to stop their children from meeting him until he changed out of his outfit, sterilised his hands and had a shower.

“All colleagues should avoid approaching their children and families until they wash their hands and take the necessary precautions,” he said.

The video was shared by many on social media who said the video was heartbreaking.