751: Most number of inpatients since COVID-19 outbreak
The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday reported 1,480 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count this year. The number of deaths also rose to 1,787 after 13 deaths were reported on the day.
According to MoH data, health institutions are under pressure as cases rise further. “As of today, there are 751 patients admitted in health institutions, including 234 in ICUs. This is the highest number of admissions since the outbreak of the pandemic. The reasons for the increase in cases are new strains and lack of compliance with precautionary measures,” Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Sa'eedi, Minister of Health, said on Monday at a Supreme Committee media briefing.
The total number of cases in Oman now stands at 173,029. ‘There were 1,202 recoveries on Monday, taking the total number of recoveries to 153,986,’ an MoH statement said. The rate of recovery has further decreased to 89 per cent.
Dr Sa'eedi said that Oman was one of the first countries to join the international coalition for vaccines. “Unfortunately, there are challenges globally regarding vaccinations. Some countries acquired larger quantities than they needed and some countries stopped the export of vaccines,” he said, adding that the main reason for the delays is the failure of companies to step up production capabilities.
“Our strategy is that we do not accept any vaccine until it is first confirmed that it is safe and effective. The fact that Oman did not receive the quantities promised by the companies has nothing to do with funding, which has the full support of His Majesty the Sultan,” Dr Sa'eedi said.
“To date, 170,000 people have been vaccinated, including 13,000 residents of Musandam.”
On the immunisation campaign among teachers, Dr Sa'eedi said, “We hope the teaching staff will be vaccinated before the beginning of the next academic year if the companies keep their supply promises.”