JEDDAH, Apr 5 (NNN-SPA) – Saudi Arabia’s critical COVID-19 cases rose in the past weeks, prompting calls from relevant authorities for the public to adhere to measures designed to limit the spread of the virus.
At a press conference yesterday, Interior Ministry spokesman, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, said, the “unfortunate rise in daily cases” is due to “individuals who have been lax in following precautionary measures.”
He added, “Each violation adds to the frightening rise in numbers.”
Al-Shalhoub warned that, field inspectors in coordination with relevant authorities will remain vigilant, and will issue fines and closures when necessary.
He issued a reminder that infected individuals could be fined up to SR200,000 ($53,000), jailed for up to two years, or both, if they violate quarantine measures.
Those spreading misinformation about COVID-19 on social media face fines from SR100,000 to SR1 million, jail time of no less than a year and no more than five, or both.
Last week, 27,083 violations were reported, 32 percent of them in the Riyadh region.
At the press conference, Health Ministry spokesman, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly said, there are nearly 800 cases in intensive care units (ICUs) across the Kingdom. “Authorities noted a drastic increase in daily cases in the past two days, most of which were reported in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province. The numbers we’re recording today are the same that were reported last year,” he added.
“We all remember, painfully, the various leaps in numbers that led to stricter measures. Will we repeat last year’s scenario and reach last year’s peak?”
