The MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdulaali, has renewed his call on everybody to stick to the COVID-19 preventive measures, so as to flatten the coronavirus infection curve once again.
“Right now,” he said, “we have to go in one of two directions: either to remain committed to the preventive measures, which will result in curbing the current outbreak, or to turn a deaf ear to these calls, which means that the curve will continue to go upward—Allah forbid!” Actually, he added, the government’s decision to keep the preventive measures in place demonstrates the Kingdom’s keen interest in maintaining people’s health.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali pointed out that a number of the Kingdom’s regions are still reporting an increase in the new COVID-19 cases. This is a critical phase of the epidemiological curve that necessitates a high degree of alertness, he said, and critical cases are on the rise.
He reiterated that ‘Tabaud’ application is one of the important preventive measures meant to suppress the spread of the virus. It has already helped us all join in the fight against the pandemic, he said. He explained that this application alerts people when getting in contact with an infected person unawarely.
He mentioned, also, that 446,940 people have received the vaccine to date, and that the efforts made to resume imports to the Kingdom have been a success.
Al-Abdulaali revealed that 322 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 372,732. These include 2,714 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 459 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday, which also hosted the Ministry of Interior (MOI) spokesman, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub. Dr. Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 282 COVID-19 recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 363,585 to date. Four new deaths were also reported, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths in the Kingdom to 6,433.
He restated that health services are still provided by all MOH centers and facilities. ‘Taakkad’ centers have conducted 7,192,537 swaps, and ‘Tatatamman’ centers have received 1,923,037 beneficiaries. Similarly, the 937 Service Center has provided health and medical consultations to 27,522,981 beneficiaries. And the total number of COVID-19 lab tests has amounted to 13,006,509 tests.
For his part, the MOI spokesman, Lt. Col. Al-Shalhoub, stressed that individuals are the basis of society. In light of these exceptional circumstances, the role of individuals and their responsibility towards the society is to limit the spread of the virus and refrain from spreading rumors that causes panic and fear. Noteworthy, each individual’s main responsibility is to adhere to the precautionary and preventive measures.
Based on the concerned health authorities’ decisions to challenge COVID-19, and given the importance of intensifying preventive efforts, preserving public health, exerting optimal control over the pandemic, and going through two pandemic cycles while completely adhering to the precautions, it was decided to extend the following precautionary measures for 20 more days. Their application started 10 pm on Sunday 2/7/1442 AH, corresponding with 14/2/2021.
These measures included suspending all events and parties for 30 days, which can be extended. Also, the maximum number of people gathering in social events should not exceed 20. Moreover, all entertainment activities and events are also suspended. Furthermore, cinemas, indoor entertainment centers, independent indoor game venues and those located inside restaurants or malls are all closed. Lounges and sport centers are also closed. Indoor ordering services in restaurants and cafes are suspended.
Moreover, it is essential for everyone to adhere to the precautionary measures during previously announced events, meetings, gatherings, parties and funerals. Last week, 47,335 violations of these measures were found.
Riyadh region was had the lion’s share with 19,104 violations, accounting for 40% of the total violations in the Kingdom. In Najran, 251 violations were found.
Furthermore, an increase of 48% in the number of violations was observed this week, compared to last week. All individuals and entities must fully adhere to the stipulated preventive and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Everyone is required to wear a face mask, maintain social distancing, and avoid gatherings of all kinds.
The security authorities are on the lookout for people who violate the precautionary measures and gathering restrictions. Fines are imposed on individuals who are not wearing face masks or are involved in illegal gatherings in all regions of the Kingdom, whether in residential neighborhoods, resting locations, or other public areas. The same rules are applied in all villages and districts.
All required measures are taken against violators, within the specialty of the concerned security forces, with the support of government agencies overseeing the private sector. Moreover, legal measures were taken against individuals who breached the Cyber Crime Law using social media.
The MOI spokesman urged everyone to immediately report any violations they encounter to protect others around them. They can report by calling (999) in all regions of the Kingdom, and (911) in Makkah and Riyadh regions. They can also report violations within the scope of government agencies overseeing the private sector. They can call (937) to report to MOH, (19911) for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, (1900) for the Ministry of Commerce, and (940) for the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing.
He has also urged everyone to benefit from MOI's electronic services for citizens through ‘Absher’ platform, without having to visit the headquarters of security authorities. The platform offers users more than 200 e-services. Registration and activation can be done in one of the following ways: Self-service machines of Saudi banks, as a beneficiary can use his own bank account to register.
In cases where the service requires the beneficiary to visit one of MOI's sectors, an appointment must be made in advance through the Electronic Appointments System. It is crucial then to adhere to the stipulated precautionary measures. Al-Shalhoub concluded by saying that no one would like to lose a loved one, which is why it’s everybody’s responsibility to avoid neglecting the precautionary measures and the repercussions of not following them.