Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia's cases exceed 12,000

Bahrain introduces new exercise guidelines to curb the spread of the virus

An aerial view shows deserted streets in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah on April 21, 2020, during the novel coronavirus pandemic crisis. AFP

Saudi Arabia reported five new deaths from the novel coronavirus and 1,141 infected cases over the last 24 hours.

The total number of coronavirus deaths in the Kingdom now stands at 114 and cases at 12,772, Health Ministry spokesman Mohammed Al Abdulaali told a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Saudi authorities have reported daily case increases of more than 1,000 since Friday, despite issuing strict guidelines to control the spread of infection.

Mr Abdulaali said that 172 people have recovered in the last 24 hours, raising the number of recoveries to 1,812.

Other GCC states also reported case increases on Wednesday. Qatar announced 608 new cases, bringing the total number of infected individuals to 7,141.

The health ministry reported the death of a 55-year-old expat has brought the total number of deaths to 10.

It also announced 75 new recoveries, raising the number of recovered patients to 689.

The ministry said that total of 70,012 people has been tested so far.

Kuwait reported two new coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, raising the number to 13 deaths.

The health ministry said that 168 more coronavirus cases were found, bringing the total number to 2,248.

Health Minister Sheikh Basil Al Sabah said that 31 patients have recovered from the virus, taking the total number of recoveries to 443.

The government said it would start asking people entering the country to wear an electronic tracking bracelet to ensure they were complying with regulations.

Bahrain introduced a similar measure earlier this month for people placed in quarantine until they were confirmed to be free of infection.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged the public to ensure social distancing when exercising in efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

The country has reported a 1,952 cases in total, including seven deaths.

It urged the public to not to go out unless it is necessary.

Oman reported 106 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to 1,614 and eight deaths.

The new cases include 35 Omanis and 71 foreigners, according to the Health Ministry.

The overall number of recovered patients in the country is 238, the ministry said.

Authorities in the region have urged the public to adhere to the measures imposed on them such as self-isolation and social distancing.