RIYADH: Saudi Arabia confirmed three new COVID-19 related deaths on Tuesday, raising the total number of fatalities to 8,751. The Ministry of Health confirmed 55 new cases reported in the Kingdom in the previous 24 hours, meaning 547,704 people have now contracted the disease. Of the total number of cases, 122 remain in critical condition. According to the ministry, the highest number of cases were recorded in the capital Riyadh with 14, followed by Jeddah with eight, Makkah with five, Dammam recorded four, and Najran confirmed three cases. The health ministry also announced that 52 patients had recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 536,730. Over 44 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the Kingdom’s immunization campaign started. More than 23.7 million people have been fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, the Public Transport Authority said on Tuesday that licensed companies were allowed to resume full seat capacity on intercity trains and buses, and ferries between Jazan and Farasan Island. The authority said passengers must have received two doses of the vaccine, with the exception of excluded groups, as stated in the Tawakkalna app. The authority called on the licensed companies to implement all preventive measures for the use of public transportation, and to ensure passengers are adhering to the protocols. Saudi municipalities have also ramped up efforts to monitor compliance with health and safety measures. The municipality of the Eastern Province carried out 1,346 inspection tours of commercial centers and facilities on Monday, closing three businesses and found 81 others in violation of the precautionary measures.  Jeddah Municipality also carried out 6,532 inspection tours of commercial centers and facilities during the past two days. Authorities closed 33 commercial outlets and issued fines to 33 others for breaching protocols. Municipalities urged all commercial facilities to abide by regulations to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of the disease. Officials have also called on the public to report any suspected health breaches by phoning the 940 call center number or contacting authorities through the Balady app. The coronavirus pandemic has affected over 239 million people globally and the death toll has reached around 4.87 million.