JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia recorded 37 new COVID-19-related deaths on Friday, raising the death toll to 2,672.
There were 2,378 new cases reported in the Kingdom, meaning 262,772 people have now contracted the disease. There are 44,369 active cases, and 2,143 are in critical condition.
Of the recorded cases, 62 percent are male, 5 percent were elderly and 12 percent were children.
According to the Ministry of Health, 195 of the newly recorded cases are in Makkah, Riyadh reported 139, and there were 135 in Al-Hofuf. There have been a further 2,241 recoveries from COVID-19, taking the total number of recoveries to 215,731.
Saudi Arabia has so far conducted 3 million tests for COVID-19, with 52,502 carried out in the last 24 hours. The ministry stressed that there was no relationship between the hot weather and the spread of the virus, noting that the numbers of deaths in the past few weeks had stabilized.
There has been a 68 percent increase in the number of intensive care unit beds in Makkah hospitals, as part of the ministry’s efforts to raise the level of health services in the region to meet the needs of Saudis and expats.
The ministry recently announced the addition of more than 2,800 ICU beds in 90 days, and renewed its recommendation for everyone with symptoms to use the self-assessment service in the “Mawid” app, visit the 237 “Tetamman” (make sure) clinics, or call the 937 Service Center for consultations and inquiries.
People can also use the center’s interactive services via WhatsApp on 920005937 to access health information and services.
On Thursday, health officials urged Muslims celebrating Eid Al-Adha not to drop their guard in sticking to safety measures aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.
The Ministry of Health stressed the need for people to maintain social distancing rules, continue to wash their hands regularly, and wear a face mask.
“During this blessed occasion (Eid Al-Adha), there will be several opportunities during gatherings and activities for all of us to connect, but that connection needs to be mindful of social distancing,” said ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly.
