The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, revealed that COVID-19 infections in the Kingdom have been fluctuating over the past period. “We will be in a better position, and the infections curve will be flattened, if we show a greater degree of adherence to the precautionary measures,” he said.
At the beginning of 2021, he added, those measures were not followed by some strictly enough, which caused a surge in infections. And the same happened again during the last Eid Al-Fitr holiday. This reminds us that observing those precautionary measures are imperative.
On the last COVID-19 vaccine-related updates, Al-Abdulaali mentioned that about 20 million doses have been given in the Kingdom (the exact number is 19,614,937 doses). Those doses were given in 587 vaccination centers spread throughout the Kingdom's regions.
As part of the national plan, we have embarked on giving a second dose for all age groups. Vaccination centers across the Kingdom have been receiving a remarkably large turnout, he noted. This reflects the public awareness of the importance of vaccination. Over the upcoming days, even larger turnout is expected. Vaccines are crucial for protection, and will make all the difference in our fight against the virus.
The MOH spokesman pointed out that Moderna vaccine, which has been recently licensed in the Kingdom, has been thoroughly tested by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which confirmed its safety, and approved it.
As regards home quarantine, Al-Abdulaali explained that it should be applied by a person who has been in direct contact with a COVID-19 positive case living with him in the same house, or who has been in close contact with a positive case for 15 minutes or more. In this case, that person should stay in home quarantine for the prescribed period. As for home isolation, it should be applied by a person tested positive for the virus for 10 days from the date of diagnosis, provided that all symptoms are gone in the last 3 days, even if this means a longer home-isolation period. It is extremely risky to go out with the symptoms still present, he stressed. In the meantime, he warned against vaccine-related rumors.
Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 1,112 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 50,1195. These include 10,805 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 1,418 critical cases. Also, 13 new COVID-19 deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths so far to 7,976. And there were 1,189 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 482,414.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday. He concluded by remarking that the briefing will be suspended and resumed after this year's Hajj season.