MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammed Al-Abdulaali, said that the curve of COVID-19 cases is currently witnessing fluctuations across the Kingdom. “We hope there won't be an upward trend in the number of recorded cases, as is the case globally,” he added. Two essential things can ensure that this doesn't happen. They are: adhering to the preventive measures and receiving the vaccine. Being in a state of fluctuation is not bad, but it is not what the Kingdom aspires to.
Moreover, the Coronavirus poses a threat to the health of pregnant women and exposes them to major risks. Furthermore, data in a number of countries across the world showed that 98% of infected pregnant women in intensive care units have not received the vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. It protects against severe stages of the disease, and provides immunity to both the mother and fetus. In addition, the Delta variant is more dangerous and people cannot develop immunity against it just be recovering or receiving a single dose of the vaccine, hence, it is crucial that everyone receives the vaccine and quickly get both doses.
Regarding updates on the COVID-19 vaccine in the Kingdom, the total number of doses given at various vaccine centers in the Kingdom is estimated to be 26,925,604. More than 587 centers have provided the vaccine.
Al-Abdulaali revealed that 1.084 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 526,814. These include 11,191 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 1,403 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday, with the participation of MOI spokesman, Talal Al-Shalhoub and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesman, Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Hussein. Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 1,285 COVID-19 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 507,374 to date. And 12 new mortalities were reported, bringing the total mortalities to 8,249.
For his part, the MOI spokesman said that the world is still battling against the Coronavirus pandemic in a fierce war that requires firmness. “Our country is still proactively combating this pandemic by taking preventive measures, due to its concern for the safety of citizens and residents on our blessed land,” he added.
Starting today, Sunday, 22/12/1442AH, the approved immunization by the Kingdom will be required for entering all public and private establishments and participating in all activities and events in the Kingdom, as well as using public transportation. Moreover, taking the second dose of the vaccine will be a requirement for traveling outside the Kingdom for all citizens, starting from 1/1/1443AH.
The exception of this rule is people under the age of 12, provided that they submit an approved insurance policy that covers the risks of the Coronavirus virus outside the Kingdom before they travel. Others who are exempted from the above rule are people who have recovered from the virus no more than 6 months ago, and those who got the virus and received one dose of the vaccine.
Al-Shalhoub pointed out the decision to prohibit citizens from directly or indirectly traveling to the Republic of Indonesia, until the epidemiological situation there stabilizes, and all citizens who are currently there return to the Kingdom.
In reference to what was previously announced regarding warning against traveling to certain countries, MOI renews the warning against traveling to countries to which travel is prohibited, as this would be deemed an explicit violation of the announced instructions. The Ministry has received information about citizens traveling to these countries - a violation of the directives issued by the official authorities. People who are proven to be involved in such acts will be held accountable and subject to severe penalties upon return. They will also be prohibited from traveling outside the Kingdom for 3 years.
Al-Shalhoub stressed that the decision to ban travel to certain countries continues, whether directly or through other countries where the pandemic has not yet been controlled, or the variants of the virus has been proven to spread.
Last week, 22,042 violations of the precautionary measures were found. The violations included social gatherings that exceeded the legal limit, as well as breaches of isolation and institutional quarantine by individuals entering the Kingdom. However, these violations were handled and penalties were applied against the involved individuals.
Al-Shalhoub called on everyone to report violations of the precautionary measures by calling (911) in Riyadh and Makkah and (999) in the rest of the regions. He called on everyone to adhere to the safety measures which can limit the spread of COVID-19 and preserve the gains achieved thus far. Everyone is urged to take the vaccine and contribute to the efforts made by the wise government to curb the pandemic.
For his part, MOC spokesman, Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Hussein, said that this is a crucial phase where members of the society make massive efforts to ensure the safety of their society. Furthermore, over 1.2 million outlets have adhered to the new rule allowing individuals into facilities only if they have been vaccinated with one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Headquarters of companies and commercial establishments, as well as the offices of MOC, and customer service facilities across the Kingdom have also adhered to the rule. MOH only exempts individuals under the age of 12 from this rule.
Moreover, the decision to require immunization is a new way of protection for society. Furthermore, commercial establishments play a major role in achieving the safety of society and defending it against this pandemic. With entry limited to vaccinated individuals only, other precautionary measures should be strictly applied. It is crucial that everyone wears a face mask, have their body temperature measured, and ensure sterilization and continuous disinfection of surfaces and places. Moreover, commercial establishments are required to apply precautionary measures to control shoppers, and not allow non-vaccinated persons in. Going against this rule will expose these establishments to penalties and fines stipulated by law. The same rules also apply to individuals
.
In addition, violations of commercial establishments (depending on the size of each establishment) range from SAR 10,000 to SAR 100,000, with compulsory closure for 5 days. Fines will be doubled if the violation was repeated to become SAR 100,000, with a closure period of up to 6 months. Noteworthy, more than 100,000 inspection tours were implemented by MOC to follow up on the adherence to the precautionary measures in July. More than 3,400 establishments have violated the measures during that month. Instant fines were imposed on them. The most common violation was shoppers and employees not wearing face masks, as 1,300 violations were found, making up 32% of the total violations. 970 violations of not measuring body temperature were also found, making up 24%. In addition, 830 violations of not confirming customers’ health status via ‘Tawakkalna’ application were found. This represented 20% of the total violations.
Monitoring these establishments continues, in order to ensure the decision is strictly implemented. MOC spokesman stressed the importance of ensuring that only vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter the aforementioned facilities.