JEDDAH: Confirmed coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia have more than tripled since early January, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.
“We were below 100 cases, and now we are recording between 350 to 400 cases daily,” ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly told a news conference. “Although the numbers are under control, the current rate of increase in cases is what worries us. It makes us all, as members of this society, responsible for maintaining the previously achieved positive results by adhering to safety measures.”
He urged people to be careful this weekend, especially during Friday prayers, saying that worshippers should wear face masks, take their own prayer mat, and observe social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
FASTFACT
371,720 Total cases
Authorities have closed over 30 mosques so far after infections were confirmed among worshippers. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs prepared 5,760 additional mosques to hold Friday prayers in an effort to eliminate overcrowding.
Saudi Arabia announced 364 more COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 371,720. There are 2,658 active cases, 437 of which are in critical condition.
The total number of recoveries in the Kingdom increased to 362,642, after 274 more patients recovered. There have been a further five COVID-19-related deaths. The Kingdom’s death toll now stands at 6,420.
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