The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Thursday reported 1,320 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count this year. The number of deaths also rose – to 1,747 – after 12 deaths were reported on the day.

According to MoH data, health institutions are under pressure as cases continue to increase. A total of 652 patients were admitted in health institutions on Thursday, including 204 in intensive care. The total number of cases in the country now stands at 168,005. ‘There were 920 recoveries on Thursday, taking the total number of recoveries to 149,969,’ an MoH statement said, adding that the rate of recovery has further dropped to 89.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, vaccine is now regarded as an effective weapon against COVID-19 in all countries of the region. “The rapid distribution and rollout of vaccines across the region shows the commitment and efforts by countries, WHO and COVAX partners to use this unique tool available to protect populations,” said Dr Ahmed al Mandhari, WHO’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean. 

To date, more than 25mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the region, with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Morocco administering more than 20 doses per 100 population.