The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, said that the Ministry is watching the curve of Coronavirus infections with vigilance. He noted that adhering to the precautionary measures will ensure that everything returns to normal.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (FDA) is the authority entitled to approve the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca is the UK-based developer of the vaccine), after reviewing its data in detail, according to an accurate scientific methodology, Al-Abdulaali said. This takes place after the FDA analyzes samples from each shipment of the vaccine before it gets used. This vaccine has proven effective in preventing the virus.
The vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in more than 50 countries, the MOH spokesman added. In Saudi Arabia, over half a million people have received the vaccine. Meanwhile, MOH is accelerating provision of the vaccine to the people of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the National Committee for Infectious Diseases has approved giving only one dose to individuals who have previously been infected with the virus. That dose should be given six months after recovery. It is considered a booster of individuals’ natural immunity. Their health condition will be recorded on “Tawakkalna” and “Mota’afi” (Recovered) six months after recovery. Vaccines are deemed strong weapons in the face of pandemics. Furthermore, all the vaccines provided in the Kingdom are safe and effective.
Noteworthy, 327 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the total number of positive cases in the Kingdom to 374,029 cases, of which 2,562 cases are active, and still receiving medical care. The majority of these cases are in a reassuring health condition, whereas 493 cases are in a critical condition.
This came during the press briefing held on Thursday, with the participation of the the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA) spokesman, Nayef Al-Otaibi. Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 371 cases have recovered, bringing the number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 365,017 cases. Besides, 5 new deaths were reported, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 6,450. Moreover, health services are still provided through all centers and facilities of MOH. Ta’akad centers have conducted 7,309,749 surveys, and ‘Tetamman’ clinics have provided their services to 1,976,440 outpatients. They have also provided health and medical consultations to 27,680,980 beneficiaries through the (937) center. Furthermore, the total number of lab analysis and examinations in the Kingdom reached 13, 208,953, including 51,419 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.
Regarding the control and monitoring efforts of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, the Ministry's spokesperson stated that, during the period extending from February 2 to February 17, control teams have made over 260,000 rounds, during which more than 25,000 violations were detected, and over 9,000 facilities violating the precautionary measures were closed.
The most prominent measures violated included the absence of thermometers, lack of instructional posters about social distancing among shoppers, non-compliance with wearing face masks, and failure to sterilize shopping carts. However, there has been a relative decrease in the number of violations based on daily indicators. The Ministry’s (940) number, which is specialized in receiving reports and complaints, has received more than 7,000 reports on violations. The necessary legal action was taken against all violators.