@zainabalnasseri –
The technical team at the Ministry of Health is following up on 12 suspected cases of the mutated omicron in the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Health, said.
The minister valued continuous support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and His wise directives to the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
During an interview with Oman TV on Tuesday, Dr Al Saeedi indicated that the number cases in intensive care units has increased from 3 to 5, calling on citizens and residents to adhere to the precautionary measures and to go for the vaccination available in all health institutions. “There is no excuse for anyone who did not receive the vaccine in the country,” he stressed.
The minister pointed out that the third dose is given to people who have autoimmune diseases as it gives them more protection from the virus.
He added “the increase in cases recorded in intensive care is not due to Omicron, but rather due to lax commitment to precautionary measures” pointing out that reports from South Africa indicate that the Omicron mutated is less virulent than others, yet the concern about this virus is the speed of its spread.
Dr Al Saeedi mentioned that the percentage of vaccinated Omanis in the target group of 12 years and over is 92 per cent, and the percentage of those who received the second dose is 86 per cent.
In his talk, he praised the effective and important role of the media in refuting rumors and conveying the correct information since the start of the pandemic until now, expressing his thanks and appreciation to all citizens and residents for their cooperation in protecting society and their commitment to precautionary measures.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported 20 new cases of Covid-19, and three recoveries. The total number of those admired to health institutions stood at 10 while Covid patients in ICUs stood at three.
