JEDDAH: Multiple cases of violations were monitored by pilgrims and worshipers flocking to the reception centers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah without permits or with illegal permits, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdel Fattah bin Suleiman Mashat said. Immediate coordination was made with the relevant authorities, while informing the violators about their illegal permits. Permits are obtained through the Eatmarna app, where worshippers are given specific timings to be in the mosque as a measure to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and preserve the safety of pilgrims. Mashat called on all pilgrims and worshipers to obtain the proper permit from the ministry’s app and avoid unofficial bodies that issue fake permits. He also stressed the need for pilgrims and worshipers who hold permits to use the transport facilities arranged by the ministry. Saudi Arabia reported eight more COVID-19-related deaths on Friday. The death toll now stands at 6,684. The Ministry of Health reported 728 new cases, meaning that 391,325 people have now contracted the disease. There are 5,768 active cases, 735 of them are in critical condition. FAST FACTS 391,325 Total cases 378,873 Recoveries 6,684 Deaths According to the ministry, 338 of the newly recorded cases were in Riyadh, 114 in the Eastern Province, 108 in Makkah, and 44 in Madinah. In addition, 404 patients had recovered from the disease, bringing the total to 378,873 recoveries. Saudi Arabia has so far conducted 15,245,394 PCR tests, with 61,083 carried out in the past 24 hours. In a message posted on Twitter, Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah issued a reminder of the importance of following precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. “Every commitment to or laxity in precautions will be reflected in the number of daily cases,” he said. “We can still make up for it. Start with yourself first, and then those around you, by adhering to the precautions: wearing masks, social distancing, washing and sterilizing hands and avoiding gatherings.” Saudi health clinics set up by the ministry as testing hubs or treatment centers have helped hundreds of thousands of people around the Kingdom since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Among those testing hubs are Taakad (make sure) centers and Tetamman (rest assured) clinics. Taakad centers provide COVID-19 testing for those who show no or mild symptoms or believe they have come into contact with an infected individual, while the Tetamman clinics offer treatment and advice to those with virus symptoms, such as fever, loss of taste and smell and breathing difficulties. Appointments to either services can also be made through the ministry’s Sehhaty app. Saudis and expats in the Kingdom continue to receive coronavirus vaccinations, with 4,667,228 people having been inoculated so far.