Riyadh, Dec 13, 2020, SPA -- Assistant Minister of Health and Official Spokesman of the Ministry of Health Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali affirmed that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) carries out very strict and precise procedures to ensure the strength of studies and all aspects related to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines before they are allowed, pointing out that the steps taken by the Kingdom in approving the Coronavirus vaccine are the steps followed by the authority which is one of the most important bodies at the global level. In a press conference held here with a participation of SFDA Vice President Dr. Adel Al-Harf, the Spokesman of the Ministry of Health said that 139 new confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number to 359,888 cases, including 3,291 active cases receiving necessary medical care. Of these, there are 499 critical cases, while the health condition of the rest is stable, he said. As many as 202 cases have recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 350,549, Dr. Al-Abdulaali said, adding that 12 new deaths have been reported, bringing the total deaths to 6,048. --SPA 19:41 LOCAL TIME 16:41 GMT 0022 www.spa.gov.sa/w1466849