The MOH Spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, said that the number of cases currently observed by MOH is the same seen in mid-April 2020. The number of cases started to rise in early January 2021, from the lowest level ever reached, to extremely high levels.
This increase is attributable to gatherings and wrong behaviors in all regions of the Kingdom since early January, he said. The levels are high compared to 3 months ago.
Al-Abdulaali revealed that 673 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total to 392,682. These include 6,169 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 782 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday, with the participation of MOI spokesman, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub.
Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 504 COVID-19 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 379,816 to date. And 7 new deaths were reported, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 6,697.
MOH spokesman called on everyone to do their best in order to stop the spread of the virus. He also called on them to adhere to the preventive measures given this critical stage which requires everyone to be careful. This adherence to the measures is essential to avoid new waves. Meanwhile, MOH continues to work in full capacity and readiness to deal with cases that require intensive care.
Furthermore, the most important weapons against the pandemic are adhering to the precautionary measures and the COVID-19 vaccine.
Moreover, MOH spokesman highlighted the importance of knowing citizens' and residents'' vaccination status through ‘Tawakkalna’ application after receiving the vaccine. In addition, the pace with which the vaccine is given is speeding up, as today; nearly five million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given. Furthermore, MOH keeps monitoring the increasing demand for the vaccine through ‘Sehhaty’ and ‘Tawakkalna’ applications. This indicates a rise in awareness on the part of citizens and residents.
For his part, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub stated that an increase in the indicators of the epidemic curve was noticed, as the curve rose to levels that the Kingdom has not seen in 7 months. This is the result of the carelessness of some people in terms of adhering to the precautionary measures. Every time someone ignores to wear the mask or maintain a safe distance, or chooses to participate in large gatherings, the virus gets transmitted. These violations result in frightening increases in the number of cases and mortalities, causing loss and pain, and ruining months of hard work.
Despite all the efforts made by the wise government by putting human health first, and the constant warnings made by all concerned agencies to prevent further spread of the virus, some people remain oblivious to the importance of applying these measures, including individuals and owners of facilities.
In this regard, security authorities continue to arrest violators of the precautionary measures and the regulations to restrict gatherings, as well as those who do not wear their face masks.
Additionally, MOI continues its efforts to control gatherings in all regions of the Kingdom, whether in residential neighborhoods and rest-stops, or villages, districts and other public areas. It aims to restrict all violations and take legal measures against perpetrators, within its specialty. Furthermore, it works to support government agencies that oversee the private sector.
Control units in all regions of the Kingdom will also be enforcing all the legal penalties needed, up to entirely shutting down violating facilities.
Violators of the isolation or quarantine directives will have fines worth SAR 200,000 at most imposed on them, or a prison sentence of 2 years at most. In some cases, both penalties may be imposed.
People who seek to circulate rumors and false information on social media about COVID-19 to cause panic and incite violations of the precautionary measures will have fines of SAR 100,000, at least, or SAR 1 million, at most, imposed on them. They may also be facing a prison sentence of 1 year at least, and 5 years at most. In some cases, they may be subject to both penalties.
Last week, 27,083 violations of the precautionary measures were found. Riyadh region had the lion’s share with 8,838 violations, accounting for 32% of the total number of violations across all regions of the Kingdom, followed by Makkah with 5,944 violations, and the Eastern Province with 3,694 violations.
All the violations recorded were handled according to the stipulated regulations, and legal measures were taken against the violators, without exceptions. However, these violations are individual cases that do not reflect the level of public awareness of citizens and residents regarding the decisions to challenge the pandemic.
Al-Shalhoub stressed that everyone must take the vaccine as soon as possible as the government continues its hard work to challenge the pandemic.
Moreover, the current health situation is being continuously monitored and assessed. Additionally, special measures will be imposed on people who participate in activities that neglect the approved protocols to prevent the virus. The same measures will be applied on cities, governorates, or regions as needed.
Al-Shalhoub urged everyone to report any violations they encounter to the number (999) in all regions of the Kingdom, and (911) in Makkah and Riyadh. He also encouraged everyone to adhere to the precautionary measures and regulation to limit gatherings with the aim of preventing further spread of the virus and achieving the ultimate goal of going back to a normal life. He concluded by saying that prevention is safety, and it's up to everyone to maintain their own safety.