MUSCAT: Will we go back into lockdown again? It’s been months since the government eased restrictions, but with cases rising and concerns over Omicron variant, authorities have urged the public to stay cautious and follow strict precautionary measures.

In the last 10 days, Oman registered 262 new infections, the highest in many months, including one death, while the Ministry of Health have also registered 17 Omicron cases. 

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism have also issued fines to two hotels over the weekend for not adhering to the social distancing measures. “We are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases in the last one week. Things were really improving but we are now seeing this trend of rise in new infections. The responsibility lies with the public in following the preventive measures. Let’s not go back to where it all started. We don’t want another closure,” said a health expert.  

Meanwhile, more than 52,000 people have taken the booster dose in the country until December 23. Dr Zaid Al Khattab Al Hinai, Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine, and an infectious diseases consultant at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, said that the third dose augments the quantity and efficiency of antibodies capable of neutralizing Omicron, as was proven in lab tests. “Field studies in more than one country showed that the booster dose offers protection against symptoms from 30% to 75%,” Dr. Zaid added.