JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia announced 42 new deaths from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Thursday. The death toll now stands at 3,548 in the Kingdom.

There were 1,287 new cases reported, bringing the total to 303,973. There are currently 24,949 active cases, and 1,682 of them are in critical condition.

Of the newly reported cases, 45 percent were female, 11 percent children, 85 percent adults, and 4 percent were classified as elderly.

According to the Ministry of Health, Jeddah recorded the highest number of new cases with 68, while Makkah reported 67, and Jazan 64.

Saudi Arabia has so far conducted 4,501,104 PCR tests, with 61,620 carried out in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday’s announcement.

Tetamman clinics in Qurayyat have reportedly tested 441 people to date, through four clinics spread over several health facilities in the governorate, while in Yanbu governorate 11,600 people have used their services — an average rate of 179 per day. In Jazan, 26,621 people have been tested at Tetamman clinics so far.

The ministry reported a further 1,385 recoveries from COVID-19, taking the total number in the Kingdom to 275,476.

“The recovery rate from the novel coronavirus in the Kingdom has reached about 92 percent, and this is thanks to taking proactive steps and applying preventive measures, treatment protocols, and health services that were prepared by the wise leadership, which have had a tangible impact in preserving the health and safety of Saudis and expats,” said Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly, assistant health minister.

Meanwhile, Al-Sumairi health center in Yanbu, Madinah, announced that residents of the governorate will be able to use its services without an appointment.

The Ministry of Health also announced a new call center for corporations seeking advice and answers about COVID-19 protocols, including how to organize workplaces to best protect employees’ health.

The center also accepts observations and suggestions relating to the ministry’s performance, and provides information about investment in the private health care sector. The call center number is 920018090.