MUSCAT: The second phase of National Serological Survey for coronavirus will begin on Sunday, the Ministry of Health said.

The first phase of the survey which was launched on July 12 has been successfully completed. “The first phase has also contributed to clarifying the survey mechanism. Individuals, both citizens and residents of different age groups from different parts of Oman are selected to participate in the survey,” MOH said.

According to MOH, the whole exercise was launched to help determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the community. It is being conducted in stages, consisting of four cycles; each one lasting for five days and the time between two consecutive cycles is two weeks.

“There are no legal consequences for not participating in the survey as the process of participating is voluntary, but public awareness should be raised of the importance of this survey in assessing the prevalence of COVID-19 infection according to age group and monitor undiagnosed laboratory cases, assessing the level of infection in different states in Oman as well as the rate of infection in those who have not shown symptoms, and assessing the effects of closure in the regions on the spread of the epidemic,” the statement added.