Relaxation over COVID-19 rules spikes cases in Saudi Arabia

Relaxation over COVID-19 rules spikes cases in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior confirmed on Sunday that an expected rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases due to the mid-year school holidays had taken place.

It reiterated that citizens should continue to follow the health and safety protocols issued since the pandemic started.

Speaking at a joint ministerial press conference on Sunday, Interior Ministry spokesperson Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub said that in the past few days, Saudi authorities had announced a slight rise in new cases of COVID-19 across the Kingdom.

"This is attributed to the laxity by a few members in the community in following proper protocols put in place to combat the spread of the virus, as well as continuing to attend gatherings with numbers over the limits imposed by the government during the mid-year school holiday,“ he said.

No more than 50 people can meet in private. Over 84,000 violations were recorded between mid-December to mid-Jan.

"It is in everyone's interest to avoid any gatherings that do not comply with the necessary protocols, or do not follow the health and safety regulations put in place by the authorities to combat the spread,“ he added.

He stressed that people should continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings as the