MUSCAT : Oman will impose legal action against public sector employees who refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine, without a proper medical reason, the country’s Minister of Health said. 

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi has also urged private sector institutions to take “similar approach”, as the Sultanate is expected to implement compulsory vaccination for all citizens and residents. “Currently, the Supreme Committee is studying the measures that can be taken for those who refuse to get vaccinated without a proper reason,” Al Saidi said. 

Bader Al Rawahi, Director of Infectious Diseases Control at the Ministry of Health (MOH) said vaccination “may become” mandatory in Oman to enter government and educational institutions, as well as, shopping malls. The country has so far vaccinated 36 percent of the population, while MOH is aiming to vaccinate 55 percent of the country’s population by end of July. 

“About two million people will be vaccinated after the Eid holiday which is about 55% of the total population. We expect to receive three million doses by September,” Al Rawahi informed.  

Currently, nearly 40,000 people are vaccinated daily, according to Dr. Saif Al Abri, Director General of Diseases Surveillance and Control at MOH. “We are aiming to increase the daily vaccination number immediately after the Eid Al Adha holiday,” Al Abri added. 

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