Tawfiq al-Rabiah receives coronavirus vaccine in Riyadh.
Photographer: Fayez Nureldine / AFP / Getty Images
Photographer: Fayez Nureldine / AFP / Getty Images
Sign up here for our daily coronavirus newsletter about what you need to know subscribe to our Covid-19 podcast for the latest news and reviews.
Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has received a vaccine against the coronavirus vaccine Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE, one day after the kingdom received the first batch of vaccine.
“Today marks the beginning of the amelioration of this crisis,” Ekhbariya told state television. “In the last nine months, we have been looking forward to the number of cases registered. But today I will gladly follow the number of those who are vaccinated. “
Saudi Arabia intends to provide the vaccine free of charge to all residents of the kingdom. The country, which reported about 360,000 cases and 6,080 deaths, began lifting coronavirus blockages in May. Officials have not imposed any new restrictions since then and the country has so far avoided another wave of infections.
Saudi Arabia earlier this week called on citizens and residents to sign up for its vaccination program. The first phase will include people most exposed to the disease, while the second and third stages will target those over 50 before the vaccine is made available to the general public.
Follow us @Middle East for more news about the region.
“With the assistance of Farah Elbahrawy.”