DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN AS COVID CASES RISE

Top health experts have advised continued adherence to precautions against the virus

MUSCAT: Getting vaccinated with booster doses, and self-isolating at home in case of symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and runny nose are just two of the steps people can take to protect themselves and others against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

As infection rates in Oman increase, the country’s top health experts have asked people to continue to adopt the advised precautions against the virus to help bring numbers down.

Omicron infections seen

At a press conference organised by the Supreme Committee, Minister of Health Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sa’eedi said several Omicron infections had been seen in Oman.

“Compared to other COVID variants, preliminary indications tell us that the severity of Omicron may be less dangerous, yet its fast prevalence will exhaust health institutions if we do not comply as required,” he explained.

On Sunday, December 26, Oman reported 69 people testing positive for COVID-19, with one admitted to the hospital.

There are 11 patients admitted to healthcare centres, and two in intensive care. The country also reported its first death from the virus after 49 days of no casualties from the disease.

“A case of the death of an unvaccinated patient was reported over the past two days,” said the Minister of Health.

As part of measures adopted to curb the spread of the coronavirus, people who are not vaccinated with two doses will not be allowed to enter their places of work.

Free vaccines for all

Vaccination centres are open in all wilayats of the country, free of charge to both Omanis and expatriates.

“The decisions of the Supreme

Committee are based on scientific foundations,” explained Al Sa’eedi. “We rely a lot on the awareness of the citizens and residents of our beloved country. Everyone is aware of the seriousness of the virus, and the preventive measures to contain it. “There is no excuse for not taking the vaccination,” he added.

“So far, there is no tendency to make the third and booster dose mandatory, but studies have shown that this dose does increase protection against the Omicron variant.”