On Friday morning, the COVID-19 Monitoring Committee held its 86th 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 mentioned that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has jumped to 4,444,670 cases, of which 1,588,858 cases have recovered to date. As for the COVID-19 death toll, it has jumped to 302,493.
Besides, 2,307 new confirmed cases were reported in the Kingdom, distributed as follows: 444 in Jeddah, 443 in Makkah, 419 in Riyadh, 152 in Madinah, 148 in Dammam, 128 in Al-Hafouf, 66 in Dariya, 62 in Tabuk, 56 in Jubail, 41 in Taif, 40 in Dhahran, 40 in Yanbu, 33 in Buraidah, 30 in Khobar, 25 in Abqaiq, 25 in Bish, 18 in Khamis Mushayt, 13 in Al-Qatif, 10 in Al-Sahan, 10 in Al-Kharj, 8 in Hazm Al-Jalamid, 6 in Mahd Al-Thahab, 5 in Mahayel Assir, 5 in Ras Tanurah, 5 in Bisha, 5 in Al-Mezalif, 4 in Al-Majmaa, 3 in Al-Bikariyah, 3 in Dawmat Al-Jandal, 3 in Al-Haditha entry point, 2 in Al-Majardah, 2 in Al-Qarya Al-Olya, 2 in Safwa, 2 in Unaizah, 2 in Sabia, 2 in Hafr Al-Batin, 2 in Arar, 2 in Rafha, and 1 case in Abha, Al-Nairiya, Salwa, Buraidah, Al-Maznab, Riyadh Al-Khobra, Khaibar, Al-Kharmah, Al-Qurai, Al-Qura, Baljurashi, Taimaa, Dhiba, Al-Wajeh, Skaka, Al-Qurayat, Al-Dilam, Wadi ad Dawasir, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Muzahmiyah, Al-Rain, Al-Sulail, Wethailan and Murrat.
This brings the total COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom to 49,176 cases, including 27,015 active cases, receiving the medical care they may be in need of. Of these, there are 167 critical cases, whereas the health condition of the rest is stable.
Of the 2,307 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, 10% are children, and 87% are adults. The number of new recoveries has amounted to 2,818, bringing the total recoveries to date to 21,869. And 9 new deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths to 292. The new deaths include a 48-year old Saudi woman in Makkah, and 8 non-Saudi in Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, aged 43-70 years old. They mostly suffered from chronic diseases.
On the importance of paying attention to children’s worries during crisis, he said that many of us take the initiative to provide tips and support to the older persons and may forget to address children concerns about the global coronavirus pandemic. He pointed out to 4 tips recommended by experts in children health, including not displaying worry and fear in front of them, explaining events to them in a simple way, listening to their fears and creating a daily routine for them to keep them busy.
The Kingdom has announced four studies and treatment protocols, including drug Remdesivir, which was approved for COVID-19 treatment in Japan. The drug is among the protocols MOH currently investigating. The outcomes of the clinical and research studies will be announced later, he said, affirming that up to date, there is no approved treatment for COVID-19. He said up to date, we have conducted more than half a million lab tests and our commitment to the health instructions helps us to curb the spread of the virus.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali noted that 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. Everyone can 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.