Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Bilad and Al-Yaum newspapers reported in their editorials that the sustained efforts, being exerted by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have placed human safety a top priority. In order to reach this goal, the government has carefully planned to tackle the pandemic through the proactive measures that resulted in controlling the outbreak of the pandemic from early stages until providing free COVID-19 vaccine to all citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The newspapers added that the competent authorities continue to implement precautionary measures and preventive procedures as a part of the efforts being exerted to confront the pandemic after the great success achieved by Saudi Arabia in minimizing the negative impacts of the pandemic and limiting its spread. The newspapers also pointed to the statement of the Ministry of Health (MoH) regarding the number of vaccines that have been administered. According to the ministry, over 14.5 million COVID-19 doses have been administered to citizens and residents through more than 587 vaccination centers across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MoH has also announced the expansion of administering the first dose to those who are yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and rescheduling of all appointments of the second dose to give ample time for a large segment of the society to take the first dose, calling on everyone to avoid being led by rumors. In the same context, the newspapers further said that the Kingdom's decision regarding limiting the availability of registration for those wishing to perform the Hajj rituals for the year 1442 AH to citizens and residents inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia only, comes as a part of the government's keenness to protect the health and safety of all people in light of ongoing change of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the emergence of new mutations. The decision also emanates from the government's keenness to hold the Hajj in accordance with utmost health precautionary measures and security requirements to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The newspapers concluded that the aforementioned data affirm the tremendous being exerted by the Ministry of Health and all concerned parties, with the unlimited support and care of the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to tackle the novel Coronavirus and preserve gains achieved in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
