The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, said that the pandemic indicators in the Kingdom continue to decline, stressing the importance of adhering to the precautionary measures.
He clarified that the decline in pandemic indicators is the fruit of properly sticking to the precautionary measures, wearing face masks, and getting vaccinated. As newly reported cases decline, critical cases witness a significant decline as well. A 65% decline was recorded during the past few weeks.
The increase in the number of fully-vaccinated individuals is one of the most important factors contributing to a decline in the number of recorded cases, Al-Abdulaali said. Vaccines are available in more than 500 sites, and getting vaccinated is deemed essential, he added.
The MOH spokesman pointed out that many people have received only one dose of the vaccine, and are reluctant to take the second. And many of them have questions about the second dose. He noted that the timing of taking the vaccine is crucial at this phase. One dose is not enough, even if it is taken after recovery. New variants, especially the delta variant, made only one dose extremely insufficient to protect from the virus, he stressed. In order to be immune, people need to take the two doses of the vaccine. Noteworthy, over 16 million people have received the two doses of the vaccine in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, 80 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 545,992. These include 2,291 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 508 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday, with the participation of MOI spokesman, Colonel Talal Al-Shalhoub. Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 95 COVID-19 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 535,078 to date. And 6 new mortalities were reported, bringing the total number of mortalities to 8,623.
For his part, Talal Al-Shalhoub stated that the pandemic curve in the Kingdom is witnessing a noticeable decline, so far as the number of recorded cases is concerned. This is considered a good sign that should further encourage everyone to continue to adhere to the precautionary and preventive measures to maintain the gains achieved thus far, until the pandemic is over, and life returns to normal.
Al-Shalhoub made clear that, in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the residency, visit, exit, and return visas for expatriates outside the Kingdom will be extended automatically without any fees. This extension will be applied on countries from which entry was suspended. The extension will continue until 25 Rabee’ Al-Akhir 1443H, corresponding to 30 November 2021.
Suspending entry to the Kingdom through land, sea and air ports was lifted starting at 11:00 a.m. last Wednesday, 1 Safar 1443H, from the following countries: UAE, South Africa, and Argentina. Citizens are now permitted to travel to the aforementioned countries, Al-Shalhoub added.
He mentioned that the penalties for violating the precautionary measures were amended. Three violations were added within the protocols for the violations committed by businesses. Besides, the closure penalty provisions, applied on violating establishments, were amended as well.
Penalties, according to Al-Shalhoub, shall apply to certain violations: unimmunized individuals entering establishments; exceeding the maximum capacity of malls or stores (with original capacity of 100 persons); and failure to adhere to the allowed numbers of individuals inside a single establishment.
As for the closure penalty imposed on businesses, it was amended as well.
The authority supervising the private sector, within its supervisory scope, shall impose a closure penalty of no more than 6 months on violating establishments, whenever necessary. Talal Al-Shalhoub stressed that all individuals and entities must adhere to the health and safety requirements, as well as apply the rules of social distancing, and avoid illegal gatherings.
Moreover, Al-Shalhoub stated that a fine of SAR 10,000 will be imposed on individuals performing Umrah without a permit. This comes in implementation of the precautionary measures to address COVID-19, and prevent its spread. This decision also reflects the authorities’ keen interest in ensuring that all necessary procedures are applied during Umrah and prayers, in compliance with the safe operational capacity at the Holy mosque and its surrounding areas. Individuals who attempt to enter the Holy Mosque without a permit will also face a fine of SAR 1,000.
Over the past period, illegal gatherings were detected throughout the Kingdom’s regions. Penalties were applied against all violators involved in accordance with the law. Last week, 22,875 violations of the precautionary measures were reported. Riyadh had the largest share of violations, and the Eastern Province came second, followed by Madinah.
Security authorities continue to intensify their efforts to arrest individuals violating the precautionary measures and the gathering across the Kingdom. The aim is to restrict all violations, and take legal measures against perpetrators. Furthermore, they work hand-in-hand with the government agencies overseeing the private sector.
May Allah bless the Kingdom, and keep its people safe and sound!