The Sultanate will administer the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from Sunday for people who have completed 10 weeks of first dose amid a fall in the number of cases.
“The Ministry of Health will start a vaccination campaign for the second dose from Sunday, for those who have completed 10 weeks from the date of the first dose as per the national campaign for immunization,” an official statement said.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim al Maimani, an analyst, has indicated that daily cases of Covid-19 are expected to drop to 150 and 250 during August, and the number of ICU patients may drop to less than 150 during this period. The daily inpatients admitted to the hospital will come down to around 40 this month.
As of July 29, Oman had 618 inpatients, including 260 in intensive care units (ICUs).
With 13,848 active cases, only 4.68 percent of the total infected people in the country are currently sick.
The estimates are based on the impact of full and partial lockdowns in the past, and the fact that vaccination rate will reach around 52 per cent during this period, including around 95 percent for those vaccinated with one dose and 15 per cent for those who have received both doses.
The ministry has urged citizens to book 'in advance' for appointments before heading to the immunisation centers in the various governorates of the Sultanate, which will ensure a safe and smooth process for all in line with the precautionary measures.
Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Health, had last week warned that some people listen to rumours and refuse to take the vaccines. "Most deaths reported at the local and international levels are from people who are not vaccinated."
He said that there are many reasons which have led to the decline in the number of infections, which include adherence to precautionary measures and vaccination are the only tools to confront this disease.
The minister said the first dose of vaccination for the age group 12-18 years will start before the end of August first week.
Vaccinations are currently available for the category of 18 years and above.
There is a cooperation between the ministries of health and education to vaccinate the age group between 12 to 18 years with the first dose of 320,000 male and female students before the start of the new academic semester.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
