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 Arabia Issues Royal Decrees on Appointing, Terminating Services of Military Officials

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
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Saudi Arabia Issues Royal Decrees on Appointing, Terminating Services of Military Officials

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Thursday Royal Decrees based on what has been submitted by the Minister of Defense.
The first Royal Order included terminating the service of General Mutlaq bin Salem bin Mutlaq Al-Azima, Commander of the Joint Forces, and referring him to retirement, and relieving Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Ghufaili, Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, of his post and appointing him as Deputy Chief of the General Staff at the rank of lieutenant general.

The Order also included relieving Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Mutair, Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, of his post and appointing him as Advisor at the Minister of Defense’s Office at the rank of lieutenant general.

Major General Fahd bin Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Salman was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Commander of the Joint Forces.
Major General Fahd bin Saud bin Dhuwaihir Al-Juhani was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed Chief of Staff of the Land Forces.
The Decree also included promoting Naval Major General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Hamed Al-Gharibi to the rank of lieutenant general and appointing him as Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces.

A second Royal Order relieved Dr. Samir bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Tabib, Advisor at the General Secretariat of the Cabinet of his post. And a third Royal Order appointed Dr. Samir bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Tabib, as Advisor at the Ministry of Defense at the excellent rank.