The government on Monday warned that hospital inpatients are likely to go up in the coming days, which can put an extra burden on the healthcare system just like in the second quarter of this year.
Speaking at the 28th press conference of the Supreme Committee, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Health, stressed the need for taking the third dose or booster to increase protection against the Omicron.
Dr Ahmed also praised the continuous support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the health sector.
He said that the number of infections witnessed an increase in recent days and added it is the government’s duty to protect members of the society and maintain public health, as the health sector underwent a rough time in the previous year.
“There is no plan, at the time being, to make the booster dose mandatory and it is very early to discuss the possibility of administering an annual dose against Covid-19,” Dr Ahmed said.
The latest decisions taken by the Supreme Committee will be effective till January 31, 2022, if the situation does not worsen. It may be changed depending on the epidemiological situation.
On the possibility of lockdowns, the minister said that the Supreme Committee will not take measures that might affect the economy or social life, but it will still make appropriate decisions if forced to do so. “We are counting on the awareness of citizens and residents to contain the spread of the virus by adhering to precautionary measures.”
Vaccination centres are open in all governorates and wilayats and vaccines are available free of charge for citizens and residents.
As of Sunday, 95,277 have received the booster dose, which is the four per cent of the target groups. The Sultanate of Oman has 16 confirmed cases of Omicron and there are 90 suspected cases.
Dr Saif bin Salim al Abri, Director General of Disease Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, said that the Omicron cases have been registered among vaccinated people. “Their health condition is stable.”
