The Ministry of Health reported 35 new Covid-19 cases and one death in 48 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 304,101 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the Sultanate in February 2020. The total deaths reached 4,107, and the recovery rate stands at 95.5 per cent.
The statistics assume significance amid fears of a new wave of the virus, as indicators in Britain, the Netherlands, and Russia are showing an increasing trend.
The British government said on Tuesday it was “closely following” the spread of a new sub-mutant of the Coronavirus in light of high number of infections in the country. However, it has not yet been determined whether it is more contagious.
“We are following the new mutant closely and will not hesitate to take action if necessary," a government spokesman said, but stressed that "nothing suggests it is spreading at a higher speed."
The United Kingdom is recording an increasing number of infections, exceeding 40,000 per day, which is a much higher rate than recorded in the rest of Europe. It also reported a total of about 139,000 deaths from the pandemic. Some scientists attribute the deterioration of the epidemiological situation, especially among adolescents and young adults, to poor vaccination of minors, diminishing of the immunity among the elderly who were vaccinated too early, and lifting of preventive measures in the country in July.
Dr Zakaria al Balushi, Infectious Disease Consultant, Royal Hospital, confirmed that the situation was not worrying and was being monitored.
He called upon news sources not to spread panic in an unintended manner without having a correct understanding of the epidemiological situation and its interpretations.
He explained in a series of tweets that the deaths in the UK, according to a report published by the Public Health England, were very clear that they were among the unvaccinated. Vaccinated cases were among those aged over 65 years. Studies have shown that 65 plus need to be given a third booster dose, not to mention various diseases in this category.
“It is correct that numbers are similar to the previous waves, but most importantly, it did not affect the rate of admissions and deaths,” he asserted.
He stressed that immunisation protects against infection in general and prevents hospitalisation and death, but in very few cases, it is possible to suffer from minor symptoms.
He added: “Immunisation in Britain includes only adults over the age of 12 years, 86 per cent took a single dose, and 79 per cent took two doses. So there are millions in Britain who have not yet been vaccinated (whether younger than 12 years old or those who refused)”.
“The number of inpatients is stable despite the increase in the number of infections. This is one of the results and benefits of the vaccine,” he said, citing a chart published by the British health authorities.
“If we compare between patients in Britain who were admitted in March 2020 and January 2021 (before vaccination), with the number of inpatients now, we would find that it is very reassuring,” he confirmed.
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