Saudi Arabia Likely to Re-impose COVID-19 Measures As Cases Surge

A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Likely to Re-impose COVID-19 Measures As Cases Surge

A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)
A Saudi woman waits to get a dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, in Riyadh (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia reported a slight increase in COVID-19 cases after authorities lifted the precautionary measures and allowed businesses to resume activities.

The Kingdom reported 400 cases per day this week, recording a minor rise to those reported before the resumption of activities on March 7.

The number of active cases was less than 2,700, of which 500 were critical, but now there are more than 4,200 infections, with 600 in critical conditions.

Despite launching its largest vaccination campaign in 500 centers with over 3.5 million doses, Saudi Arabia could witness a re-imposition of precautions as cases continue to rise.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia recorded 466 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 386,300.

In February, the Ministry of Interior announced a number of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

However, earlier this month, the Ministry did not extend COVID-19 precautionary measures, indicating that it will not extend the suspension of indoor dining at restaurants or entertainment activities.

It limited social gatherings to a maximum of 20 people, while large public gatherings, weddings, and events in banquet halls or hotels remained suspended.

The Ministry urged all citizens to adhere to the announced producers and preventive measures.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced that vaccinations will be mandatory for all barbershops, salons, restaurants, cafes, and food outlet workers in Saudi Arabia.

Workers will be required to be vaccinated to protect public health and curb the spread of the virus. Those who are not vaccinated before the deadline must provide a negative PCR test result every seven days at the expense of their employer.



Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held talks in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund.

The meeting was held after talks between the US and Russia in Riyadh aimed at bolstering global security and peace.