RIYADH — Saudi Arabia recorded on Thursday 450 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number confirmed infections in the country to 349,386, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. The ministry announced 18 more patients died over the past 24 hours from complications caused by COVID-19, taking the total number of virus-related fatalities to 5,489. The ministry also reported 474 new recoveries over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of people free from the deadly virus to 336,068 with the recovery rate rising to 96.17 percent. Of the new cases, Riyadh recorded the highest with 67 followed by Makkah with 51 and Madinah with 50. The remaining cases were detected in different cities and governorates across the Kingdom. Meanwhile, active cases have been falling steadily with 7,829 reported on Thursday, out of which 763 are critical, the statement added. Earlier in the day, the health ministry spokesman urged all — citizens as well as residents — to fully adhere to preventive measures in order to prevent a second wave of the deadly infection in the Kingdom.