On Thursday morning, the COVID-19 Monitoring Committee held its 85th meeting. Chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfik 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.
Following the meeting, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, Assistant Minister of Health and MOH spokesman, stated that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has jumped to 4,364,172 cases, of which 1,562,239 cases have recovered to date. As for the COVID-19 death toll, it has jumped to 297,491.
Besides, 2,039 new confirmed cases were reported in the Kingdom, distributed as follows: 482 in Jeddah, 478 in Riyadh, 356 in Makkah, 247 in Madinah, 93 in Hofuf, 93 in Dammam, 68 in Taif, 27 in Yanbu, 21 in Al-Qatif, 13 in Theriban, 11 in Mahayel Assir, 11 in Safwi, 11 in Deriyah, 10 in Al-Qunfudah, 10 in Thadiq, 9 in Al-Khobar, 8 in Wadi Al-Dawaser, 7 in Bish, 6 in Bisha, 6 in Qaraah, 6 in Al-Muzailef, 6 in Al-Rein, 5 in Al-Jubail, 5 in Ras Tannoura, 4 in Al-Jafr, 4 in Wadi Al-Far’, 4 in Al-Haditha Port, 4 in Darmaa, 3 in Khamis Misheit, 3 in Hael, 3 in Al-Kharj, 2 in Al-Qurai’, 2 in Namira, and one case in Abha, Buraidah, Al-Sahn, Al-Laith, Al-Tuwal, Tabuk, Al-Dalam, Layla and Hotat Sudair. This brings the total COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom to 46,869 cases, including 27,535 active cases, receiving the medical care they may need. Of these, there are 156 critical cases, whereas the health condition of the rest is stable.
Of the 2,039 cases reported today, 41% are Saudi citizens, and 59% are non-Saudi residents. About 25% of the cases are females, and 75% are males. Only 3% of the reported cases are older persons, 11% are children, and 86% are adults. The number of new recoveries has amounted to 2,365, bringing the total recoveries to date to 19,050. And 10 new deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths to 283. The new deaths are non-Saudi residents in Makkah, Jeddah and Yanbu, aged 43 - 90 years old. They mostly suffered from chronic diseases.
Al-Abdulaali said that, by looking into the data, the way the virus was transmitted in previous cases, and the reason for the transmission, it was found that the main cause is family gatherings. These limited gatherings took place inside homes where several individuals were exchanging visits and were present at the same time. This has led to an increase in the rate of infections among children to 125%, and among females to 100%. It highlights how these family activities are extremely dangerous and harm several groups. Adhering to the preventive measures and following the advice of MOH can help maintain low infection rates as is the case globally. However, if the violations and family gatherings continue, there might be a reverse effect and the rate of recorded cases will increase.
He added that everyone is responsible for the situation. Furthermore, it is essential to stay away from gatherings and stick to healthy behaviors. This includes staying at home, leaving a safe distance, wearing face masks when outside, regularly washing hands and avoiding touching surfaces then touching the face.
The MOH spokesman reiterated that compliance with the health instructions is the only way for prevention of infection. According to Dr. Al-Abdulaali, anyone who has symptoms or wants an assessment can use the self-assessment service on ‘Mawid’ application. Citizens who have questions can also inquire or seek advice by calling the 937 Call Center, available 24/7. The call center is now made closer to everyone than ever. Citizens can also benefit from its interactive services through WhatsApp application on the number 920005937. They can have access to health information and updates on COVID-19. The service also provides users with information on blood donation and primary health care centers (PHCs). Besides, it enables them to reserve appointments.