Health ministry also confirms a record jump of 4,507 infections in a single day
The number coronavirus deaths in Saudi Arabia breached the 1,000 mark this week, as the government warned against widespread breach of social-distancing rules.
The health ministry on Monday confirmed 39 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 1,011, and a new record of 4,507 daily cases.
Ministry spokesman Mohammad Al Abdel Aali said the surge was “due to a number of factors, most important of which is not taking the necessary precautions”.
The active spread of the virus is due to social mixing,” he said.
The spokesman said the rate of infections has declined but could resume climbing “if society continues not to adhere to and abide by” social distancing and other containment measures.
Saudi Arabia now has 132,048 Covid-19 cases, among them 1,897 in critical condition, and 87,890 recoveries.
The health ministry has been expanding a social media campaign to promote social distancing as a kingdom-wide restriction is due to be lifted on June 21.
The government, which vowed to restore normal economic activity after an extended spell of restrictions, has cautioned against relying on unofficial data that could give a misleading picture of the coronavirus situation in the country.
The authorities last month allowed offices and business to reopen and prayers at mosques to resume, although 71 mosques were later closed after cases linked to them were reported.
