Live: PCR test cheaper in Oman compared to other countries: Minister of Health

Muscat: The 27th Press Conference of the Supreme Committee on Covid-19 is currently underway

The speakers are Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Health, Member of the Supreme Committee; Brigadier Mohammed bin Nasser al Kindi, Director-General of Operations, ROP; Dr. Amal bin Saif Al-Maani senior consultant in pediatric infectious diseases and infection prevention & control.

Highlights:

Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Health, receives the third dose of the anti-Covid 19 vaccine, to enhance the level of protection for the most vulnerable groups from the virus.

Minister of Heath: There is a difference between the third dose and the booster dose.

Minister of Health: The third dose is not a booster, but it is necessary for people with diseases or those receiving treatment that lowers immunity, such as cancer and HIV.

Minister of Health: A decision will be issued soon on the penalties to be imposed on anyone who enters government and commercial institutions without taking the vaccine.

Minister of Health: The current situation in the Sultanate of Oman is reassuring, but the virus has not disappeared and there are reports of new variants, especially in European countries.

Minister of Health: The ban on holding events is still in effect, and the concerned regulatory authorities must take the necessary measures to ensure that the Supreme Committee guidelines are followed.

Minister of Health: The imams of mosques should tell worshipers to maintain social distance and take precautionary measures.

Dr. Amal: We have noticed a steady increase in influenza and there have been outbreaks among 100 people, which lead to one death.

Minister of Health: We hope that we do not have to close activities again. The matter is in our hands, so everyone must bear his or her responsibility.

Minister of Health: There is no consensus on issuing health passports for citizens of Gulf countries, and there are reservations.

Minister of Health: A working group has been formed by the ministries of Education and Health for a vaccination campaign in the educational sector.

Minister of Health: There is no intention to close the airport or stop flights from any destination for the moment.

Minister of Health: The Sultanate of Oman submitted a request to exempt the citizens of the GCC countries from PCR tests and no decision has been taken.

Minister of Health: The rates for PCR tests in the Sultanate are cheaper compared to many countries and it is one of the reasons for the spread of virus in Europe