RIYADH — Saudi Arabia reported on Thursday 3,733 new coronavirus infections, surpassing the 3,000-mark for six consecutive days. This is the highest ever daily toll since the outbreak of the pandemic, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom to 116,012, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. The Kingdom is witnessing a surge in new coronavirus cases after it began to ease coronavirus restrictions. The ministry also announced 38 new deaths, taking the total number of virus-related fatalities in the Kingdom to 857. Meanwhile, a total of 2,065 more patients have recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 80,019. Of the total 3,733 new cases, 1,431 were recorded in Riyadh, while Jeddah, Makkah, Dammam and Hufof registered 294, 293, 214 and 206 respectively. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has decided to bring forward the time of opening mosques for Friday prayers in all Kingdom’s regions except Makkah and Jeddah. Now all the mosques in the Kingdom will open 40 minutes before the call for Friday from this week until further notice. This decision comes within protocols approved by the competent authorities to avoid overcrowding.