MUSCAT: On Tuesday, yet another grim milestone was crossed. Oman registered 744 COVID-19 death cases in June — the deadliest month since the start of the pandemic, prompting Majlis Al Shura members appealing to the government to open up vaccines for all age groups.  

Even as  death rate has continued to climb over the last one week, the virus has claimed about nearly two lives every hour, on average, while 84 people are infected every 60 minutes in the country. The sheer number of people suffering with the disease has crippled the country’s health care system. 

“The government must allow people of all age groups to get vaccinated against Covid-19. This can be done by booking the necessary appointments as is currently done and with the support of friendly and brotherly countries in providing these vaccinations whenever It is possible,” said Hilal Al Sarmi, Head of Majlis Al Shura’s health affairs. 

On Tuesday, Oman registered 43 deaths and more than 2,200 new cases. “Authorities must open more field hospitals in various governorates that need additional Covid-19 services,” Al Sarmi opined. 

In the wake of new mutant strains, Al Sarmi also asked MOH to reduce the cost of PCR tests to a minimum of OMR 5, which will help both citizens and residents. Currently, private hospitals charge at least OMR 15 for a Covid-19 test. “It should be made affordable so that more people will get tested because of the mutant strains,” he added. 

With no sign yet that the dizzying infection rate is about start falling quickly, frontline workers are also urging people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. “There is no alternative solution than getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Zakariya Al Balushi, Infectious Disease Consultant at Royal Hospital.