RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Sunday reported a sharp increase in the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total number of infections in the Kingdom to 511. Spokesman for the Ministry of Health Mohammed Al-Abdel Ali disclosed that 119 cases have been detected on Sunday (the figure was 48 on Saturday). However, he said, the total number of recovery cases have increased to 18 with the latest recovery of two infected people, according. Addressing a press conference here, Abdel Ali urged the public to stay in their home and avoid contact with others and movement outside. He said that 72 cases of new infections were reported among Turkish nationals and those in contact with a previously announced infected person. The condition of all those who are in a health isolation facility in Makkah is good, he said. Out of the 119 cases, 72 of them are located in Mecca, 34 are located in Riyadh, four are located in Al-Qatif, and three are located in Al-Ahsa, according to the spokesman. There have been three cases in Khobar, one case in Dhahran, one case in Dammam, and one case in Qassim, the spokesman added. The spokesman said that 40 of the new cases were due to community contact. He said that the Kingdom has carried out 23,000 laboratory tests for the coronavirus, while more cases of contacts with people infected with corona are being monitored. "We have repeatedly warned against attending social events and gatherings because they are dangerous for members of the society. The anti-corona preventive and precautionary measures are continuing strongly," Abdel Ali said advising people not to travel between cities except for unavoidable matters. The Ministry of Health called on all to abide by the guidelines and directives to ensure their safety as well as the safety of other members of society, especially to avoid handshakes, continue washing hands, and avoid gatherings. It also called on to communicate immediately with the ministry's Contact Center number 937 for any queries and inquiries regarding corona pandemic. The ministry appealed the public to take information only from its official sources and not to believe in rumors.
