Cluster spread is posing a greater challenge in Muttrah

When the Sultanate is taking commendable steps in controlling the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the medics from the Ministry of Health (MOH) say that the cluster spread is posing greater challenge.

The healthcare workers are continuously educating the people in and around Muttrah, both in their households and commercial establishments, to come to the six clinics dedicated for COVID-19 testing, as cluster spread is a major cause of concern for them. From a random sampling carried out among various strata of people in Muttrah, it has been found that some of them were “unbelievably” diagnosed positive.

“These people don’t have any travel history nor are they in touch with affected people. They were contracted from some places beyond their knowledge, and tracing the spot too is a challenge”, said Doctor Nadiyaal Hajri, Head of Muttrah PHC, that is open around the clock for COVID-19 tests.

Cluster spread pose high risk of further spread of the virus and was last reported in Italy where scores of people around a music venue were found positive.

Worldwide, the cluster spread is a great challenge and measures need to be taken against the same. Erection of barriers around the focus of infection as well as geographic quarantine shall be applicable to areas reporting large outbreak.

“The number of cases keeps varying everyday because of the cluster spread among Muttrah residents. Effective measures only can prove to be useful in tackling the issue”, added another doctor.

Such measures include effective implementation of geographic quarantine, enhanced active surveillance, social distancing measures, testing of all suspected cases, isolation and quarantine, communication of risk to create awareness among public on preventive public health measures, can bring results against cluster spread. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reiterated that the extension of medical services in Muttrah is to provide assistance and evaluation for testing persons who have flu like symptoms.

“It is advised that people without symptoms should not utilise this service which will help focus services for the needy and also prevent unnecessary exposure and flouting of social distancing norms.

The date and venue of the visit of medical field teams to other locations will be intimated in advance”, a statement from the MOH has said.