RIYADH: The COVID-19 vaccination is in full swing in Saudi Arabia with more than 53 percent of the population jabbed with at least one dose. The Saudi Health Ministry has set up 587 vaccine centers across the Kingdom. It said around 18.6 million vaccine doses have been administered so far. The Kingdom on Monday recorded 1,247 new coronavirus infections, bringing the total to 494,032, with a Ministry of Health spokesman saying the number of critical cases was stabilizing. There are 11,773 active cases and 1,350 people are in critical condition. Ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly said that with community efforts the critical numbers could continue to decline. The regional breakdown showed there were 273 new cases in the Asir region followed by 234 in the Eastern Province. The Makkah region reported 220 new cases, the Riyadh region had 206, and the Jazan region reported 110 new infections. The Northern Borders and Jouf reported eight new cases each. The ministry said that 1,429 more patients have recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 474,368. There were 15 new COVID-19 deaths, raising the toll to 7,891, and the ministry said more than 18.6 million vaccine doses had been administered so far. There were 94,010 PCR tests in the past 24 hours, raising the total number carried out so far to more than 22.3 million. HIGH LIGHTS • There are 11,773 active cases and 1,350 people are in critical condition. • The ministry said that 1,429 more patients have recovered from COVID-19. • There were 15 new COVID-19 deaths, raising the toll to 7,891. The special health clinics set up by the Ministry of Health in response to the pandemic continue to test and treat thousands of residents. Takkad (make sure) centers and Tetamman (rest assured) clinics have played a significant role in monitoring the spread of the disease and helping patients with suspected or confirmed cases. The Takkad centers offer COVID-19 testing for people with no or mild symptoms, or who believe they have come in contact with someone infected. Tetamman clinics provide treatment and advice to those with severe symptoms such as fever, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties. The ministry and other authorities continue to highlight the importance of maintaining social distancing and following all health and safety protocols as part of the community effort to slow the spread of the disease.