On Thursday, the Assistant Minister of Health and MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, held the daily COVID-19 briefing, which also hosted the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health for Preventive Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Assiri.
The MOH spokesman noted that 3,372 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases in to 170,639 cases, including 51,325 active cases, receiving the medical care they may be in need of. Of these, there are 2,206 critical cases, whereas the health condition of the rest is stable.
Al-Abdulaali mentioned that, of the new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 333 were reported in Dammam, 331 in Makkah, 304 in Hofuf, 304 in Al-Qatif, 241 in Riyadh, 218 in Jeddah, 143 in Khamis Mishait, 139 in Al-Khobar, 130 in Al-Mubriz, 119 in Taif, 100 in Al-Dhahran, 97 in Madinah, 81 in Safwi, 59 in Hafr Al-Batin, 59 in Hail, 58 in Al-Jubail, 47 in Tabuk, 46 in Abha, 45 in Ras Tannourah, 40 in Buraidah, 33 in Wadi Al-Dawasser, 28 in Sakaka, 23 in Unaiza, 23 in Uhud Rufaidah, 22 in Bisha, 19 in Bish, 18 in Al-Mithnab, 16 in Baqiq, 16 in Najran, 13 in Al-Bukairiyah, 10 in Yanbu, 9 in Al-Jafr, 9 in Wadi bin Hashbal, 9 in Jazan, 8 in Al-Oyoun, 8 in Al-Badaye, 8 in Al-Rass, 8 in Mulaijah, 8 in Baqa’a, 8 in Rimah, 7 in Al-Baha, 7 in Wadi Al-Far’, 7 in Dharyah, 7 in Al-Khafji, 6 in Baljurashi, 6 in Thurayban, 6 in Sarat Ubaida, 5 in Billasmar, 5 in Al-Nuairiyah, 5 in Salwa, 5 in Samtah, 5 in Khulais, 5 in Rafhaa, 4 in Qalwa, 4 in Al-Asyah, 4 in Umm Al-Doum, 6 in Al-Nimas, 4 in Mahayel Asir, 4 in Sajer, 4 in Wethylan, 3 in Riyadh Al-Khabra, 3 in Rijal Alma, 3 in Urayarah, 3 in Al-Hait, 3 in Habouna, 3 in Arar, 3 in Duba, 2 in Al-Qura, 2 in Tabarjal, 2 in Al-Qunfudhah, 2 in Al-Sahn, 2 in Rania, 2 in Al-Farsha, 2 in Al-Madhah, 2 in Dhahran Al-Janoub, 2 in Al-Batha, 2 in Qurayyat Al-Ulya, 2 in Al-Ghazala, 2 in Al-Tuwal, 2 in Rabigh, 2 in Al-Uwayqilah, 2 in Al-Kharj, 2 in Ruwaidah Al-Ard, 2 in Al-Wajh, and one case in Al-Bad’, Al-Aqiq, Al-Makhwah, Al-Mandaq, Dumat Al-Jandal, Khayber, Al-Qwarah, Al-Haditha Port, Al-Khurma, Dhulam, Al-Harajah, Tanumah, Saihat, Al-Shannan, Abu Arish, Al-Mawsim, Damad, Sharurah, Turaif, Shaqra and Thadiq.
According to Al-Abdulaali, the number of new recoveries has amounted to 5085, bringing the total recoveries to date to 117882. And 41 new deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths to 1428. And the total number of COVID-19 tests has amounted to 1,479,759 tests.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali highlighted ‘Tabaud’ service as a crucial service that helps its users get information on how to protect themselves and their loved ones. He also provided health guidelines to be followed as the Kingdom eases preventive measures, including avoiding places where congestion is anticipated.
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.
The MOH spokesman stated that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has jumped to 9,440,535 cases, of which 4754755 cases have recovered to date. As for the COVID-19 death toll, it has jumped to 482,923.
For his part, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health for Preventive Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Assiri, said that face masks are of paramount importance at this juncture. Along with social distancing, they can prevent infection transmission from the community to the family, he said. According to him, there is no evidence so far that the virus causes lasting damage in the lungs.