RIYADH — Saudi Arabia reported 3,392 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Kingdom to 217,108, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday. A total of 5,205 people recovered from the coronavirus in the same period. This brings the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 154,839, a spokesman of the health ministry was quoted by Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as saying. The COVID-19 death toll in the Kingdom surpassed the grim 2,000 mark, rising to 2,017, after 49 people died due to complications caused by the virus. Riyadh recorded the highest number of new cases with 308 infections. It was followed by 246 cases in Taif, 232 in Madinah, 227 in Jeddah, 219 in Dammam, 141 in Qatif, 132 in Makkah, 124 in Khamis Mushayt, 109 in Hail, 106 in Hufof and 102 in Najran. The other infections were registered in cities and provinces across the country. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Monday that health standards will be the main determinant for selecting this year's Hajj pilgrims amid the coronavirus outbreak. Seventy percent of this year's pilgrims will be non-Saudis residing in the Kingdom and 30 percent will be Saudis. However, only nationals who are healthcare workers and security forces who have recovered from the virus will be allowed to perform Hajj, as a way of showing appreciation for their efforts in fighting the virus in the country.
