Saudi Arabia Reports More Virus Cases as it Goes into Lockdown for Eid

An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reports More Virus Cases as it Goes into Lockdown for Eid

An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
An empty roundabout is seen during curfew in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reported on Friday 2,642 coronavirus cases, raising its total to 67,719, as security forces began enforcing a four-day nationwide lockdown over the outbreak.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Abdelali said 28,352 patients were receiving medial care and 302 were in critical condition.

He told a daily press briefing on the outbreak that 38 percent of the new cases were detected among Saudis.

Recoveries have reached 39,003 with 2,963 new patients confirmed to have beaten the disease. Thirteen new fatalities were reported, raising the toll to 364.

Meanwhile, security forces began enforcing a 24-hour four-day lockdown throughout the Kingdom with the advent of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Saudi Arabia declared earlier on Friday that the holiday, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, would begin on Sunday.

Interior Ministry security spokesman Talal al-Shalhoub underscored the need for respecting the lockdown and social distancing measures. Gatherings of more than five people will also be barred.

He said security forces will enforce the lockdown in residential neighborhoods and public areas. People caught violating restrictions will be fined.

Restaurants, factories, laboratories, hypermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, food markets and stores will be exempt from the lockdown. They will operate during curfew hours.



International Media Delegations Visit Hajj Command and Control Center in Holy Sites

The delegations were briefed on the coordination mechanisms that operate under a unified operational umbrella, bringing together various security and technical agencies. SPA
The delegations were briefed on the coordination mechanisms that operate under a unified operational umbrella, bringing together various security and technical agencies. SPA
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International Media Delegations Visit Hajj Command and Control Center in Holy Sites

The delegations were briefed on the coordination mechanisms that operate under a unified operational umbrella, bringing together various security and technical agencies. SPA
The delegations were briefed on the coordination mechanisms that operate under a unified operational umbrella, bringing together various security and technical agencies. SPA

International media delegations covering this year's Hajj season visited the command and control center in Saudi Arabia’s holy sites.

The visit provided them with an in-depth look at the integrated security and technical efforts dedicated to managing the Hajj season.

They were received by Director General of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami.

During their visit, the delegations were briefed on the coordination mechanisms that operate under a unified operational umbrella, bringing together various security and technical agencies.

This robust system is supported by the latest monitoring, analysis, and live surveillance technologies, all of which significantly enhance the national system's readiness to serve pilgrims.

The media representatives also learned about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in supporting efficient crowd management and the proactive dispatch of pilgrims.