Saudi Arabia reports 116 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

The health ministry has urged people who have not yet received a vaccine to get one. (REUTERS)
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Updated 19 December 2021
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Saudi Arabia reports 116 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

  • More than 48.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia confirmed 116 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, increasing the total number of recorded infections since the beginning of the pandemic to 550,738.

It also confirmed 1 new coronavirus-related death, raising the total number of fatalities to 8,861.

The Ministry of Health said that, of the current cases, 34 remained in critical condition.

It also said that 96 patients had recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 539,981.

More than 48.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the Kingdom’s immunization campaign started, with more than 22.9 million people fully vaccinated.

The ministry, which has 587 centers throughout the Kingdom dealing with jabs, has urged people who have not yet received a vaccine to get one.

It also renewed calls for the public to adhere to precautionary measures and register with the Sehhaty app to receive vaccines.

Meanwhile, testing hubs and treatment centers set up throughout the country have helped millions of people since the pandemic outbreak.

Taakad centers provide COVID-19 testing for those who show no or only mild symptoms or believe they have come into contact with an infected individual, while Tetamman clinics offer treatment and advice to those with virus symptoms such as fever, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties.

Appointments for both services can be made via the ministry’s Sehhaty app.


Authorities record 19,077 violations of residency, labor and border laws in one week

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Authorities record 19,077 violations of residency, labor and border laws in one week

  • Saudi authorities recorded 19,077 violations of the country’s residency, labor and border security laws in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recorded 19,077 violations of the country’s residency, labor and border security laws in one week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The Ministry of Interior recorded the offenses between Feb. 19-25, including 13,215 related to residency, 3,396 to border security and 2,466 to labor.

A total of 1,615 people were apprehended after trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 34 percent of whom were from Yemen, 64 percent from Ethiopia and 2 percent from other nationalities.

They also arrested 70 people for trying to leave the country illegally.

Authorities also arrested 10 people involved in the illegal transportation, shelter and employment of violators.

A total of 20,712 expatriates including 19,304 men and 1,408 women are currently undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Meanwhile, 14,982 individuals were detained for violating regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents.

In addition, 1,364 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,040 were repatriated.

The Ministry of Interior warned that anyone who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them within its territory, or provides them with shelter, assistance or other service may face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,700).

Vehicles used for transport and properties used for shelter may also be confiscated.

The ministry emphasized that such acts constitute major crimes that warrant arrest and urged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.