SQUH ICU filled to capacity
‘HEALTH SECTOR UNDER SEVERE PRESSURE’ AIRPORT PCR TESTING FACILITY REOPENS NIGHT DRUGSTORES TO STAY OPEN 8PM TO 5AM CONGREGATION OF FOUR OR MORE PEOPLE BANNED
As a result of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the intensive care unit (ICU) at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital is packed to capacity with novel coronavirus patients.
“The health sector is under severe pressure; the ICU unit at SQUH is 100 per cent full,” Dr Abdul Hakim Yaqoub al Hashem, consultant doctor of internal medicine at the hospital, told Oman TV in an interview.
“The ICU at SQUH was occupied only 50 per cent just a month ago. Now the unit is 100 per cent full with COVID-19 patients. This is creating psychological pressure on the doctors.
“We hope that everyone adheres to health measures such as wearing musk, washing hands frequently, physical distancing and following the directives of the Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19,” said Dr Hashem.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed 563 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total to 107,776. The number of deaths reported during the same time was eight.
The number of those who have recovered has also increased by 351. ‘The number of recoveries has increased to 93,908, while the number of deaths now stands at 1,061,’ an MoH statement said. As of Wednesday, a total of 542 patients were admitted in health institutions, including 216 in ICUs.
Night duty pharmacies
The MoH confirmed that pharmacies on night duty and 24hour operations are allowed to operate during the 8pm to 5am curfew, based on the schedule of shifts issued by the Directorate General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control.
Gathering of four or more people a violation: ROP
In line with the directives of the Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 which make a meeting of two families a violation, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned that four or more people coming together is considered a social gathering.
“According to the Supreme Committee guidelines, all types of gatherings are banned,” an ROP official said.
The North Sharqiyah Police Command stopped a group of expatriates from gathering in violation of these directives recently and has started legal procedures against them.
“The Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 will determine whether to publish their names and photos or not,” the ROP official said.
“The Supreme Committee has banned all types of gatherings and those found violating the directive by hosting or organising gatherings will be slapped with a fine of RO1,500, while those taking part will be fined RO100,” the official said.
“We urge people to adhere to the Supreme Committee decisions and health measures so as to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Any gathering of more than four people is considered a violation,” he added.