On Saturday morning, the COVID-19 Monitoring Committee held its 80th meeting. Chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfik bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the meeting was attended by the committee members, who represent the relevant government agencies. During the meeting, all relevant COVID-19 updates and reports were reviewed. The Committee has discussed the global epidemiological situation, as well as the cases reported locally and their health condition. All precautionary measures carried out at the points of entry into the Kingdom will continue in full, the Committee stressed, and will be further tightened. Meanwhile, the Committee commended the citizens’ compliance with the curfew, and called on them to stay home, and refrain from going unless necessary.
Following the meeting, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, Assistant Minister of Health and MOH spokesman mentioned that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide has jumped to 3,954,897 cases, of which 1,331,733 cases have recovered to date. As for the COVID-19 death toll, it has jumped to 275,179.
Besides, 1,704 new confirmed cases were reported in the Kingdom, distributed as follows: 417 in Makkah, 316 in Riyadh, 265 in Jeddah, 112 inMadinah, 111 in Dammam, 107 in Taif, 67 in Jubail, 54 in Khobar, 38 Jadedat Arar, 33 in Heddah, 23 in Al-Hafouf, 23 in Al-Kharj, 20 in Dariya, 18 in Buraidah, 15 in Al-Qatif, 12 in Tabuk, 9 in Safwa, 7 in Yanbu, 7 in Ras Tanurah, 6 in Dhahran, 6 in Mahayel Assir, 5 in Bish, 4 in Al-Qurayat, 3 in Malijah, 2 in Al-Khafji, 2 in Abqaiq, 2 in Bisha, 2 in Al-Majaridah, and 1 case in Unaizah, Al-Mithnab, Al-Badayea, Oqlat Al-Soqoor, Al-Jafr, Salwa, Wadi ad Dawasir, Sabia, Hail, Mahd Al Thahab, Adom, Sarat Obaidah and Abha. This brings the total COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom to 37,136 cases, including 26,753 active cases, receiving the medical care they may be in need of. Of these, there are 140 critical cases, whereas the health condition of the rest is stable.
Of the 1,704 cases reported today, 30% are Saudi citizens, and 70% are non-Saudi residents. About 18% of the cases are females, and 82% are males. Only 4% of the reported cases are older persons, 6% are children, and 90% are adults. The number of new recoveries has amounted to 1,024, bringing the total recoveries to date to 10,144. And 10 new deaths were reported, bringing the total deaths to 239. All new deaths are non-Saudis in Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah and Jubail, aged 33-66 years old, most of them suffering from chronic diseases.
He said the 937 Service Center is now closer to everyone than ever, available 24/7. They can benefit from its interactive services through WhatsApp application on the number 920005937. They can have access to health information and updates on COVID-19. The service also provides users with information on blood donation and primary health care centers. Besides, it enables them to reserve appointments.
He confirmed that the expanded screening will be in stages, starting with the active surveillance. In the second stage, we invited those who made the self-assessment through the Mawid App to proceed with the lab test. He noted that all countries are monitoring new cases, and there are almost 4 million confirmed cases around the world, particularly in South America, Africa and other countries.
He said there is no scientific evidence that the tuberculosis vaccine reduces COVID-19 symptoms or prevents infection with it. Generally, the recovery takes two days to five weeks from the disappearance of symptoms, he said, reiterating that everyone should abide by staying at home and following the health instructions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali noted that anyone who has symptoms or wants an assessment can use the self-assessment service on ‘Mawid’ application. Citizens who have questions can also inquire or seek advice by calling the 937 Call Center, available 24/7.