MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammad Al-ِAbdulaali, said that no changes are seen in the pandemic curve in terms of numbers, which require close monitoring. “We hope to move in a more positive direction through two things. First, making sure everyone receives the vaccine. Second, adhering to the precautionary measures,” he said. The same is true for critical cases that correspond with recorded cases.
Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in the Kingdom, the total number of doses given at various vaccine centers in the Kingdom is estimated to be 15,723,493. More than 590 centers have provided the vaccine.
Dr. Al-Abdulaali praised the awareness of society members and their eagerness to receive the vaccine and eradicate all rumors about it. This has helped the vaccine campaign reach its goals to avoid further spread of this pandemic. He explained that postponing the second dose of the vaccine mainly aims to give the largest possible number of people the chance to receive the first dose, achieving the highest level of immunity. Nearly 14.5 million people were given a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, the National Committee is considering expanding giving the vaccine to the age group 12-18 years. Noteworthy, the two accredited vaccines are Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Besides, 1,017 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Kingdom, bringing the total cases to 465,797. These include 10,132 active cases, still receiving medical care. Their health status is mostly stable, with the exception of 1,575 critical cases.
The MOH spokesman made this statement in the COVID-19 briefing held on Sunday, which also hosted the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesman, Mr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Hussein. Dr. Al-Abdulaali mentioned that 1,133 recovery cases were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 448,093 to date. And 19 new mortalities were reported, bringing the total mortalities to 7,572.
For his part, MOC spokesman, Mr. Al-Hussein, stated that within 48 days, specifically starting from Sunday 22 Dhul-Hijjah 1442AH corresponding to 1 August 2021, non-vaccinated individuals will not be allowed into commercial facilities and malls as announced by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Shoppers must be: two-dose immunized, one-dose immunized, or recovered-immunized, according to their ‘Tawakkalna’ application, with the exception of certain age groups or people with health conditions that make them non-obligated to get the vaccine.
He pointed out that adherence to the measures was great during the past few months, and the discipline was noticeable. This has resulted in allowing some activities and services that were restricted before. Fitting rooms were reopened and touch-screens were reintroduced in shops and malls, with distancing and sanitizing measures applied.
Furthermore, there are four practices that could lead to crowding inside and outside commercial facilities. And they are still prohibited. They include: inviting celebrities and influencers, and holding opening ceremonies of shops and markets, contests that require attendance, and launch celebrations of some products or services.
The level of adhering to the precautionary measures is still closely monitored. 103,274 inspection visits were conducted and 3,436 instant violations were recorded, including a violation committed by a restaurant in Al-Ahsa where an opening ceremony was held, gathering a number of people that exceeds the facility’s capacity. The restaurant has also hosted a SnapChat influencer. Consequently, the restaurant was fined, in cooperation with the Al-Ahsa Municipality and Police. Similarly, a company has recently been fined in the amount of SAR 300,000.
The company hosted an event where SnapChat influencers gathered in Riyadh, in a clear breach of the precautionary measures. A coffee shop in Riyadh was also shut down for holding an opening ceremony in the presence of football players and celebrities. It was fined in an amount of SAR 60,000. Furthermore, a violating commercial complex in Hafr Al-Batin failed to adhere to the legal capacity of shoppers causing major crowding among shoppers, and was fined accordingly.