JEDDAH: Receiving the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine is a must for health workers participating in the Hajj season 2021, Saudi Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said.
“You must prepare early to secure the manpower required to operate the health facilities in Makkah, the holy sites and Madinah, and the entry points for pilgrims for the 2021 Hajj season,” he said in an official circular.
“A vaccination committee must be formed for the Hajj and Umrah season, on which they have adopted the compulsory reception of the COVID-19 vaccine for participating healthcare workers,” he added.
Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly told a press conference on Tuesday that quarantine is not required after contact with someone who has been vaccinated and completed immunization.
FASTFACTS
• Saudi Arabia reported 302 new virus cases on Tuesday.
• There are 2,571 active cases, 508 of which are in critical condition.
“Anyone who received the vaccine and passed two to three weeks after completing the vaccination is not required to quarantine after getting into contact with an infected person,” he said.
The epidemic curve of the COVID-19 infections is going through a “fluctuating” phase, he said, adding that the authorities are watching it carefully.
Meanwhile, the ministry declared March 2 of each year the “Health Martyr Day” in recognition of the significant role played by the healthcare heroes, who devoted their lives to their work and people’s health.
The ministry will also provide psychological and social support for their families.
Saudi Arabia reported five more COVID-19-related deaths on Tuesday. The death toll now stands at 6,505.
The ministry reported 302 new cases, meaning that 378,002 people have now contracted the disease. There are 2,571 active cases, 508 of which are in critical condition.
According to the ministry, 136 of the newly recorded cases were in Riyadh, 78 in the Eastern Province, 37 in Makkah, and five in Madinah.
In addition, 286 patients had recovered from the disease, bringing the total to 368,926 recoveries.
Saudis and expats in the Kingdom continue to receive their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 885,411 people having been inoculated.
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