The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammed Al-Abdulaali, said that COVID-19 is continuing to spread across the world, with a high number of cases recorded both daily and weekly. Nearly 400 million confirmed cases have been recorded across the globe, causing some countries to tighten their precautionary measures and ensure vaccines are steadily available. However, a noticeable decline is seen in the curve following the peak observed for the past 2 weeks.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday. “We are seeing a similar decline in the Kingdom as the number of confirmed cases decreases and fluctuates. Right now, it is moving downward, and this is a positive rate,” he said. Al-Abdulaali noted that this decline is the result of hundreds of thousands of daily tests, which, on some days, were estimated to be 7 times more than they were one or two months ago.
There is also a decline in the number of critical cases, and this is linked to the decreasing number of confirmed cases. The immunity from the third dose of the vaccine is built only a few days after the injection, and reaches its peak two weeks later. More than 58,000,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received across the Kingdom, and over 23,700,000 people have received two doses. The positive effect of the vaccines can be easily observed, as they have significantly reduced the number of critical cases in KSA.
For his part, the MOI spokesman, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub said that the Ministry continues to monitor the situation to preserve public health. “It is necessary that people who intend to travel outside the Kingdom take the third dose of the vaccine (booster shot) if they have received the second dose over 3 months ago. People under the age of 16 are an exception to the rule, as well as certain other cases, as shown on their “Tawakklna” application,” he added.
All arrivals to the Kingdom must provide am accredited negative PCR or COVID-19 antigens test 48 before and after arriving to the Kingdom. Children under the age of 8 are an exception to this rule; however, the procedures for testing children entering some countries must be followed.
Citizens with a negative PCR can enter or exit the Kingdom after the following periods have passed, without the need for a retest: 7 days from the date of taking a positive sample, for those have taken the accredited vaccine shots in the Kingdom; and 10 days from the date of taking a positive sample, for those who have not taken all the accredited vaccine shots in the Kingdom. This will come into effect starting from 1 am on Wednesday, 9 February, 2022.
Al-Shalhoub said that making the third shot a requirement for the status “Immunized” to continue to appear on ‘Tawakkalna’ application will be applied on those who have last received the second shot over 8 months ago, and are over the age of 18.
The booster shot is a requirement for individuals to participate in any economic, commercial, cultural, sporting, or tourist activity, as well as any scientific, social, or entertainment event. The third dose of the vaccine is also necessary to enter any government or private entities, whether to do work or receive a service. The same rule applies to passengers of airplanes and public transportations, except for certain segments, as shown on their ‘Tawakkalna’ application.
The MOI spokesman concluded by saying that the total number of violations of the precautionary measures reached 24,319 across the Kingdom during the week. The violating individuals were penalized in accordance with the law. He called on everyone to adhere to the preventive and precautionary measures, and report any violation thereto, by calling 911 (in Riyadh and Makkah regions), and 999 (in the rest of KSA regions).