JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia recorded 3,717 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the total number recorded so far to 112,288.
The Health Ministry recorded 1,317 new cases in Riyadh, more than double the number of cases in Jeddah, where curfew hours have been increased. Movement in Jeddah is only allowed between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Saudi Arabia recorded 1,615 new recoveries, taking the total number of recoveries to 77,954. There are currently 33,515 active cases. There are 12 new cases of patients in intensive care units, raising the total to 1,693.
Of the new cases of COVID-19, 68 percent are male, 85 percent are adult, 11 percent are children, 4 percent are above the age of 65, and 53 percent are Saudi. Thirty-six new fatalities were recorded, raising the death toll to 819.
More than 1 million polymerase chain reaction tests have now been conducted in the Kingdom, as 22,139 new tests were added.
Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly said during Tuesday’s press conference that relevant authorities are constantly monitoring adherence to guidelines, and are taking note of any potential threats to public health.
He urged citizens and residents to continue following safety measures in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
His comments came as Riyadh marked the first time it recorded more than 1,000 cases on Tuesday. Wednesday’s numbers saw an increase from the previous day.
Meanwhile, an emergency medical permit has been added to the Tawakkalna app, in cooperation with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and the Saudi Health Council.
The hour-long permit during curfew hours enables users to request an exit permit for an emergency health condition that needs to be transferred to a medical facility.
The service allows the exit of the patient and an accompanying family member from place of residence to the medical facility.
The are currently no daily or weekly limits, or geographical restrictions, to requests granted for this service.
