Saudi Arabia announced a nearly 70% increase in COVID-19 infections within a single day, along with a 50% rise in the number of critical cases. Over the past 24 hours, the kingdom recorded 1,746 new COVID-19 infections, with critical cases rising to 90, according to the Ministry of Health. The ministry tweeted that two deaths were registered, and 341 recovery cases were reported, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 542,754.
The spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Health stated on Sunday that the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 in the country is experiencing a significant surge. Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali mentioned in a press conference regarding COVID-19 developments that previous waves of the virus went through several stages, but the current wave is "unquestionably the highest." He added, "The epidemiological curve in the kingdom is recording a wave that coincides with the global wave around us, with a high acceleration in the increase over four days, and we expect further increases."
He noted that most cases requiring healthcare and entering critical care are individuals who have not completed their vaccination doses. It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Interior announced days ago the reimplementation of face mask mandates and social distancing measures in all places (both closed and open) and activities, starting from the morning of Thursday, December 30, 2021, according to the Saudi Press Agency (WAS).
