Health

Total COVID-19 cases pass 600,000 mark in Saudi Arabia with 5,628 new cases

Saudi Arabia has recorded another highest-ever number of new daily COVID-19 cases, with 5,628 new infections and two virus-related deaths reported on Friday, according to the Ministry of Health.

Of these cases, 287 are deemed critical.

For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.

Case numbers have been climbing rapidly in recent weeks as the more-transmissible omicron variant spreads.

The daily recovery count on Friday touched 3,511, bringing the total recoveries to 558,546.

Saudi Arabia recorded its first case of the omicron variant in early December, thought to have come from an undisclosed north African country. The total number of cases in the Kingdom has now reached 604,972.

There are now 8,903 COVID-related deaths in the country.

Health authorities continue with the Kingdom's vaccination plan in effort to get the majority of the population vaccinated.

The country has updated its COVID-19 restrictions, announcing new fines of $266 (1,000 Saudi riyal) for those who break social distancing rules, and $266,000 (100,000 riyal) for repeat offenders.

The Kingdom also reintroduced social distancing measures at Mecca’s Grand Mosque and other public places in recent weeks.

Mask mandates in public places, indoors and outdoors, were also reintroduced.

US Supreme Court blocks Biden COVID-19 vaccine-or-test policy for large businesses

Ajman gov't employees must use annual leave, unpaid leave if exposed to COVID twice

Health

Patients in Rafah ‘afraid to seek services’, WHO reports

The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken “crucial steps” in the event of a large-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, Dr. Ahmed Dahir, Team Lead of its office in Gaza, told UN News on Tuesday.

Health

First Person: Women in Madagascar too ashamed to seek help giving birth

Some of the poorest women in an underdeveloped region south of Madagascar are “too ashamed” to seek the maternal health services they need, according to a midwife working in a health centre supported by United Nations agencies, but that may be about to change.

Health

Peace or war, midwives keep delivering

Millions of lives each year rely on the expertise and care of midwives and yet a global shortage is squeezing the profession like never before, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNPFA said on Sunday, marking the International Day of the Midwife.