The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, has stated that there are fluctuations in the coronavirus infection curves. “We hope things will go in a positive direction,” he said, “and that hinges on our adherence to the preventive measures.” After reiterating that the infection trends in the Kingdom are oscillating, he mentioned that 780,667 individuals have been vaccinated, and that vaccination covers all regions of the Kingdom, and is on the increase. He called on everybody to take the vaccine at the soonest possible opportunity, describing vaccines as safe and effective.
Al-Abdulaali revealed that 322 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 377,383. These include 2,584 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 481 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday, which also hosted the Ministry of Interior (MOI) spokesman, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub. Dr. Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 294 COVID-19 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 368,305 to date. Four new deaths were also reported, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths in the Kingdom to 6,494.
He restated that health services are still provided by all MOH centers and facilities. ‘Taakkad’ centers have conducted 7,572,101 swaps, and ‘Tetamman’ centers have received 2,021,477 beneficiaries. Similarly, the 937 Service Center has provided health and medical consultations to 28,197,658 beneficiaries. And the total number of COVID-19 lab tests has amounted to 13,633,077 tests.
For his part, the MOI spokesman, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, noted that MOH confirmed, during the past few days, that there is an increase in the pandemic curve. This indicates that the desired phase of stability hasn’t been completely reached yet, which requires more efforts and firmer adherence to the precautionary measures.
Moreover, over the past few days, several gatherings that violate the regulations to limit crowding have been detected in one of the Kingdom’s regions, which has recorded a high number of cases.
MOI has also announced on Snapchat that violations of the preventive measures have been detected across the Kingdom’s regions.
Furthermore, there is a correlation between the high number of COVID-19 cases in some areas, and the number of violations detected. Many individuals have failed to adhere with the precautionary and preventive measures by not wearing a mask, not maintaining social distance, and gathering in large numbers. The regulation aims to limit gatherings, impose social distancing, and control organize human crowding which is a direct cause of the spread of the virus. Noteworthy, individuals who attend, call for, or organize gatherings will be considered violators of the aforementioned regulations.
Al-Shalhoub stressed that everyone must adhere to the precautionary measures and maintain proper social distance at open areas in restaurants, cafes, etc. Several violating facilities were closed by the concerned authorities, with the support of the security authorities in all regions of the Kingdom, for breaching the precautionary measures.
Last week, 43,428 violations of these measures were found. Riyadh region had the lion’s share with 17,789 violations, followed by Makkah with 10,388 violations, then the Eastern Province with 4,819 violations, and Najran with 155 violations.
These violations include not wearing face masks or adhering to social distancing, and being involved in illegal gatherings.
Furthermore, the health situation is currently being monitored for follow-up and assessment. In addition, special measures will be enforced on any activity that neglects applying the approved protocols to prevent the virus, as well as any city, province, or region where this step would be needed.
The security authorities are on the lookout for people who violate the precautionary measures and gathering restrictions, whether in cities, residential neighborhoods, resting locations, districts, or other public areas.
All required measures are taken against violators, within the specialty of the concerned security forces, with the support of government agencies overseeing the private sector.
MOI spokesman urged everyone to refrain from taking part in illegal gatherings or neglecting the protocols. It is essential for everyone to immediately report any violations they encounter to protect others around them. They can report by calling (999) in all regions of the Kingdom, and (911) in the regions of Makkah and Riyadh. They can also report violations within the scope of government agencies overseeing the private sector. Al-Shalhoub concluded by thanking all citizens and residents who adhere to the measures, wishing safety to the Kingdom and its wise leaders.