MUSCAT: The Supreme Committee members is holding a press conference to discuss the latest developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Following members are addressing the media:

1. HE Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, Member of the Supreme Committee on Covid 19
2. Dr. Adel Said Al Wahaibi, Director of Epidemiological Surveilliance Department at the Ministry of Health
3. Badar bin Saif Al Rawahi,Director of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health

Highlights from the press conference:

Minister of Health: Nearly 7 million COVID-19 vaccinations done in Oman

Minister of Health: Unfortunately, only 10% of the citizens received the booster dose.

Minister of Health: The longer the virus remains, high chances of an increase in mutations

Minister of Health: 96% of those admitted to intensive care never received the vaccination or must have received only one dose.

Minister of Health: This pandemic is still going on and we can’t declare its end.

Minister of Health: On Tuesday, the number of registered cases of dengue fever reached 17 cases in the Wilayat of Bausher, 7 in the Wilayat of Seeb, and two in the Wilayat of Amerat.

Minister of Health: 90% of people received two doses of vaccination in Oman.

Minister of Health: We should not create an appropriate environment for Aedes aegypti mosquito to spread. I appeal to citizens and residents to get rid of the water-collecting places in their homes.

Adil Al Wahaibi: The community spread of the coronavirus started in Oman on March 15, 2020, with the original virus until August 2020.

‎After that, the alpha mutant spread with an increase of between 30-50%, and then the delta mutant spread with an increase of 80%.

Minister of Health: We congratulate the doctors and reiterate our thanks and appreciation for their outstanding performance on the occasion of World Doctor’s Day.

Minister of Health: The health sector at the global level was hijacked by the virus in the last two years, causing dire consequences for societies.

Badar Al Rawahi: The decision to introduce the fourth dose (the second booster dose) depends on the societal immunity, the parameters and the epidemiological situation in Oman.

Minister of Health: A collective effort from all of you can bring life back to normal in Oman

Minister of Health: The immunization program in the Sultanate of Oman has not been affected and its rate is high.

Minister of Health: We have evidence to show that the health sector in Oman has not been affected much compared to other countries.

Minister of Health: All rooms and medical staff were prepared to rescue those infected with the pandemic.

Minister of Health: The damage to the health sector is greater than any other sector, and we all strive to restore the path.

Minister of Health: Fatigue, exhaustion, and sacrifices made by health sector workers led them to unfamiliar resignations, whether they were citizens or expatriates. Therefore, we will face some challenges.

Minister of Health: Manufacturers of medicines and medical equipment have been affected by the pandemic, and we have a strategic stockpile that we sometimes resort to, and there is a sufficient stock of life-saving medicines

Minister of Health: Vaccination is an effective tool to get protection from the virus and everyone should stay away from rumours.

Minister of Health: We should not put our children in a dangerous situation. Hence the Supreme Committee decided to prevent kids under 12 years of age from attending Taraweeh prayers in mosques.

Badar Al Rawahi: The priorities of the Ministry of Health are to vaccinate children from 5 to 11 years old.

Minister of Health: We have challenges with drug manufacturers and price challenges.

Minister of Health: Demand for third dose is unfortunately very low.

Minister of Health: Currently, the mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 is for the first and second doses.

Minister of Health: We did not observe any serious side effects for those who received the first and second doses.

Minister of Health: There is no verification of the extent of vaccination in a number of institutions.

Minister of Health: Gatherings can help the virus to spread. It came to our knowledge that some government institutions and organisations have booked iftar halls.

Minister of Health: One of the rumours I heard about the vaccination was that if one takes the first dose, he/she won’t live after two years. Imagine, even after two years and four months of taking the third dose, I am still alive!

Minister of Health: There is no conclusive evidence for a direct link between vaccines and heart disease.

Minister of Health: The decisions and procedures of the Supreme Committee related to the blessed month of Ramadan is aimed at protecting public health and not to set obstacles.

Minister of Health: We remind everyone that the pandemic has made it clear to us that without health, there is no economy, no education, and no social life.

Minister of Health: The third or booster dose of Covid 19 vaccines is not mandatory, and we hope that everyone will be aware of the importance of immunization to maintain public health

Minister of Health: The space while praying in mosques is very close and it will be difficult to adhere to the mask rules during then. In malls there are more open places.

Minister of Health: There is a delay from the manufacturer in supplying the vaccine for children and we hope to receive it during the first half of this year.

Minister of Health: We will return to using ID cards to move between land ports with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This was agreed upon with the Inspector General of Police and Customs.

Minister of Health: For the last two years and three months the health sector is fighting to end the virus.

Minister of Health: The third or booster dose is not mandatory, and we hope that everyone will be aware of the importance of immunization to maintain public health.

Minister of Health: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise. Despite sterilization operations in hospitals, they sometimes do not respond. This is a global issue, not just a local one, and it is under discussion.

Minister of Health: Now we are convinced that travel bans and closures are not feasible.

Minister of Health: 98% of recent deaths were for people who did not receive the first or second dose, and most of them had chronic diseases.