Saudi Arabia: Almost 7 million COVID-19 shots administered

Cairo: The number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Saudi Arabia since December has approached 7 million, according to figures from the country’s Health Ministry.

About 6.8 million jabs have been given at different inoculation centres, it said. Saudi Arabia initiated mass vaccinations against COVID-10 on December 17.

Authorities have offered the vaccination to citizens and foreign residents for free.

Saudi Arabia has recently stepped up efforts to expand the availability of the vaccines amid strict measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Violated rules

Police in the Eastern Region said they had arrested seven persons, who tested positive for COVID-19, after they had violated quarantine rules.

“Preliminary disciplinary procedures have been taken against them to refer them to public prosecution,” spokesman for the region’s police Lt.Col. Mohammed Al Shehiri said.

Violations of quarantine rules are punishable in Saudi Arabia by a fine of up to SR200,000 or a jail term of two years or both penalties.