JEDDAH — The Ministry of Health on Monday confirmed it has administered more than five million COVID-19 doses of coronavirus vaccines through 587 vaccine centers in all regions of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia reached the major milestone in its vaccination drive as it battles to stem the recent spike in new COVID-19 infections. In a joint conference on Sunday, the health and interior ministries warned the public against non-compliance with coronavirus precautionary and preventive measures, stating that stringent punitive measures will be taken against the violators. Speaking to reporters, Lt. Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub, the spokesman at the Ministry of Interior, said that anyone who violates the directives with regard to medical isolation or quarantine will be slapped with a maximum fine of SR200,000 or a two-year jail term or of both. Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdel Ali, the spokesman of the Ministry of Health, said that the Kingdom is passing through phases that are precarious and not reassuring with regard to containing the pandemic. He called on every member of the society not to be the cause of the spread of infection, and totally comply with the protocols. "We must be very careful until we pass this phase as we do not want to experience new waves, and repeat the sacrifices again. The MoH continues to enhance capabilities and permanent readiness to deal with critical cases in intensive care units."
