MOH spokesman, Dr. Muhammed Al-Abdulaali, said that COVID-19 cases are still recorded across the world; however, the efforts many countries have made to overcome critical phases have proven to be successful, and while some countries are seeing a decline in the number of cases, others are seeing an increase.
“The Kingdom has made massive efforts to ensure the safety of the Saudi community, which helped us reach this reassuring phase, and created more readiness for the coming ones,” Al-Abdulaali said.
The COVID-19 curve is in a positive phase now, not only in terms of the cases recorded, but also the number of tests taken. This reflects the increasing awareness among community members, and shows the high level of epidemic control. Critical cases are also seeing a decline, with the number of vaccine doses given across the Kingdom nearing 60 million. In addition, about 24 million people have received the two doses of the vaccine. The impact of the vaccine in protecting individuals is clearly observed as the number of critical cases in KSA significantly drops.
Al-Abdulaali noted that people who have had omicron before, whether vaccinated or not, are likely to contract the infection a second time, with a varying severity. The infection also tends to be more severe in people who have not received the vaccine, and this is seen in non-vaccinated inpatients in ICUs. On the other hand, the incubation period of omicron tends to be shorter than other variants, up to only 3 days, while its symptoms continue to show for 5-7 days.
For his part, the spokesman of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Saad Al-Hammad, said that the Ministry has conducted more than 114,844 inspection rounds last January in private sector entities across the Kingdom to ensure that all establishments and individuals are adhering to the precautionary measures. The Ministry will continue the rounds through its oversight field teams to ensure all workplaces are properly applying the precautionary measures for safer work environments.
Last January, over 2,180 warnings were issued against individuals and private sector establishments. Moreover, the Ministry of Human Resources received 4,640 reports against private sector establishments and their employees.
About 97% of those working in the private and public sector have received two doses of the vaccine, and 95% of private sector employees have received two or more doses. These figures indicate that work environments are healthy; however, it is still necessary for everyone to receive their designated doses to keep their status as “Immunized” on ‘Tawakkalna’ application. The booster shot of the vaccine can be received 3 months after the second dose, and anyone can make an appointment through Sehhaty or ‘Tawakkalna’ applications.
Al-Hammad concluded by stressing three important points: First, taking all doses of the vaccine does not mean abandoning the precautionary measures inside or outside workplaces. Second, information related to the Ministry of Human Resources should only be obtained from trusted official sources. Third, any violations encountered in a workplace should be reported via ‘Ma’an lil-Rasd’ application, available on smartphones, or the unified number for complaints 19911, or any of the Ministry's official pages on social media.