On Sunday morning, the COVID-19 Monitoring Committee held its 67th meeting. Chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the meeting was attended by the committee members, who represent the relevant government agencies. During the meeting, all relevant COVID-19 updates and reports were reviewed.
The committee has discussed the global epidemiological situation, as well as the cases reported locally and their health condition. All precautionary measures carried out at the points of entry into the Kingdom will continue in full, the Committee stressed, and will be further tightened. Meanwhile, the Committee commended the citizens’ compliance with the curfew, and called on them to stay home, and refrain from going unless necessary.
The meeting was followed by a joint press conference, the participants in which included Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, MOH spokesman, and Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, the Ministry of Interior spokesman. The MOH spokesman mentioned that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has jumped to 2,900,000 cases, of which 827,000 cases have recovered to date. As for the COVID-19 death toll, it has jumped to 203,000.
As for the epidemiological situation in the Kingdom, he mentioned that 1,223 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported. Those newly reported cases were detected in several Kingdom cities, as follows: 272 cases in Makkah, 267 in Riyadh, 217 in Madinah, 117 in Jeddah, 113 in Bish, 54 in Unaizah, 51 in Dammam, 20 in Buraidah, 19 in Jubail, 17 in Al-Hafouf and Baqiq, 14 in Al-Aredha, 10 in Taif and Abu Areish, 3 in Khalise, Tabuk, Al-Zulfi and Sajer, 2 in Al-Qatif, Hafer Al-Batin, Al-Qurayat and Wadi Addwaser, 1 in Al-Majardah, Khamis Mushayt, Khobar, Jazan and Arar.
This brings the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom to 17,522 cases. Of these, 15,026 cases are active, receiving medical care: there are 115 critical cases. The number of new recoveries has amounted to 142, bringing the total recoveries to date to 2,357. And 3 new deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths to 139. The new deaths include 1 39 years old Saudi in Al-Hafouf and 2 non-Saudi in Jeddah and Makkah, aged 43 - 72 years old, they were suffering from chronic diseases.
Of the 1,223 confirmed cases today, 15% accounting for Saudis and 85% for non-Saudis, he said, adding that 789 cases, accounting for 65% of the cases, have been detected by means of active surveillance.
He said the decision to lift the curfew partially was taken after reviewing all health and other measures and after identifying the areas hardest-hit by coronavirus. He pointed out that the self-testing surveys helped us to monitor these areas, urging everyone to abide by the instructions to overcome the pandemic.
Even though the curfew has been relaxed, he urged everyone to abide by the precautionary measures and refrain from going out unless extremely necessary, and to wear a face mask, as recommended by the international organizations, including the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
Highlighting the high level of commitment to the restrictions, he said “the virus is still spreading worldwide, and the upcoming stage is important”. Although the citizens and residents are committed to the restrictions, caution must be exercised and failure to commit to social distancing may make us vulnerable to coronavirus infection, he added.
He stressed the importance of adhering to the instructions provided by MOH. This is especially necessary during the blessed month of Ramadan and for those with chronic diseases. Some of the most important instructions to follow include social distancing, avoiding shaking hands, and regularly cleansing them.
The MOH spokesman reiterated that anyone who develops symptoms, or is willing to get medical advice, can use the self-assessment application ‘Mawid’, or call 937 which works around the clock.
For his part, Ministry of Interior spokesman, Lt. Col. Al-Shalhoub said “As per the royal decree, the curfew across the Kingdom was partially lifted on Sunday, with the exception of Makkah and other previously isolated neighborhoods”. The ban on movement between the Kingdom different regions remains in effect, he said. “No entry or exit from the following cities is allowed: Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hofuf, as well as the following provinces: Jeddah, Taif, Al-Qatif, Khobar, Samtah and Al-Dair,” said Col. Al-Shalhoub. Work at government agencies, unless exempted, will continue be suspended, he added.
He confirmed that the suspension of international and domestic flights and public transportation (train, bus and taxi), will continue until further notice, with the exception of emergency cases.
Al-Shalhoub said that the ban on social gatherings of more than 5 persons for the purpose of wedding and condolence events remains in force, calling on citizens, residents and employers to show a sense of responsibility and abide by the precautionary and preventive measures.