Saudi Arabia Sets Record For COVID-19, Authorities Blame Crowds

The first group of Muslims to perform the Umrah pilgrimage with health protocols, at the Grand Mosque (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's daily COVID-19 cases rose above 500 marks for the first time since October. The Health Ministry blames crowds and neglect of health protocols, such as social distancing, for causing it.

The Gulf state recorded 510 new infections on Friday, March 26, and 502 cases on Saturday, March 27, bringing the total to 387,794 cases, with 6,643 deaths. More than 200 cases were reported in the capital Riyadh.

The kingdom recorded daily Covid-19 infections below 100 in January, from a peak of more than 4,000 cases in June.

Authorities last week expanded COVID-19 vaccination to all citizens and residents aged 16 and over.

Starting from mid-May, workers in food outlets, public transportation, fitness centers, and salons who are not vaccinated will be required to take a PCR test every week.

Saudi Arabia in January extended travel bans for their nationals and will fully reopen entrances on May 17.

In February, the authorities also suspended entry permits for foreigners from 20 countries, except for diplomats and medical practitioners.