Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Highlights: Supreme Committee press conference

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Highlights of the ninth press conference of the Supreme Committee on Covid-19 held today. 


Minister of Health: We highly appreciate His Majesty the Sultan’s directive to establish a new central public health laboratory.


Oman reports 778 new cases of Covid-19, including 265 Omani, bringing the total number in the Sultanate to 14,316.


Minister of Health: There are 3451 recovered cases in the Sultanate, 226 inpatients, 58 in ICU and 67 deaths so far


Minister of Health: Oman sees the slow escalation of the epidemic curve of the disease and that it is due to people's commitment and adherence


Minister of Health: Next week, a clarification will be issued by the Supreme Committee on restarting the newspapers.


Minister of Health: Some areas in Muttrah will reopen on Saturday


The increase in the number of tests and epidemiological investigations is among the reasons for the recent increase in the number of infections.


Minister of Health: We need 14 days to declare that any condition is recovered, regardless of whether symptoms disappear before that. We will change the definition so the cure rate will increase in the coming days.


The Minister of Health: As for the Khareef season in Dhofar Governorate, the decisions of the Supreme Committee on avoiding gatherings of any kind is still valid.


Minister of Health: A sub-committee of the Supreme Committee will be charged with tackling the recovery stage, which is tasked to consider several aspects including tourism.


Minister of Health: There is a plan to reopen the airports. A committee has been assigned to draw up procedures and measures, plans to allow travel will be considered soon.


Minister of Health: I confirm that the recovery rate in the Sultanate is not less than that in other countries.


Minister of Health: A large number of deaths took place in homes or due to late reporting to health institutions.


The Minister of Health: If the purchased drug hydroxychloroquine is not used for Covid_19, it will be used to treat other diseases.


Minister of Health: We need 14 days to declare that any condition is recovered, regardless of whether symptoms disappear before that. We will change the definition so the cure rate will increase in the coming days.


Minister of Health: In the event that the airports are reopened, prompt checks will be provided for those coming to the Sultanate.


Minister of Health: Most of the deceased had chronic diseases, some as a result of negligence and slowness in approaching treatment, and there are some workers who refused to move to health institutions for treatment.


Minister of Health: A decision to close the Dhofar governorate will be taken as per the data of the epidemiological situation.


Minister of Health: Correct disposal of personal protective equipment must be done so that it is not a cause of transmission.


Minister of Health: We received complaints about people dumping of masks and gloves, which is an uncivilized act. No penalties or fines are imposed and we rely on people's awareness.


Minister of Health: The number of healthcare workers tested positive for coronavirus is 186 and that is due to social contact.


The infection rate for non-Omanis in Muscat is 75% due to conditions beyond their control.


Minister of Health: The local production of gags will increase in the coming days due to their demand and importance.


Minister of Health: We did not require any patient residing in the Sultanate to pay the cost of his treatment.


Minister of Health: We did not require any patient residing in the Sultanate to pay the cost of his treatment.


Minister of Health: One of the challenges we face is the need for qualified personnel for intensive care.


Minister of Health: Living with the disease will be the feature of this latest stage.


Minister of Health: We have not returned to a stage before Covid-19. Coexistence means that we coexist with the conditions imposed by the epidemic, foremost of which is social and physical distance.


Minister of Health: There is a possibility of adding 28 beds to intensive care in the Royal Hospital, plus taking the help of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, the Armed Forces Hospital, and the private sector if the need arises.


Minister of Health: One of the challenges we face is the need for qualified personnel for intensive care.


Minister of Health: 75% of all cases in Muscat are for residents.


Minister of Health: With 50% of employees returning to work, pregnant and people with chronic diseases should be exempted.


Minister of Health: There is a technical team from the ministry and the governorate to consider the situation of the spread of the virus among workers in Duqm.


Minister of Health: I see no objection to community visits, provided they keep a distance of two meters, wear masks, and adhere to all preventive measures.


 


Dr. Saif al Abri: Thanks to the preventive measures, we were able to maintain less than the expected number of injuries. We expected 1,600 cases per day and more than 200 cases in intensive care.


Dr. Saif Al-Abri: Lack of awareness upon some communities to get treatment is a challenge to the health system.


Dr. Saif al Abri: Most of the deaths are for Omanis aged 60 years and above.


Saif al Abri: We expect the demand for health services, including critical care, to increase in the next 10 days. The deceased are Omanis over 60. The big challenge we face is migrant workers arriving too late to seek medical service.


Dr. Saif al Abri: There is a team made up of all the relevant government institutions - charged with studying the reopening of commercial activities and that undertook the lifting of the first, second packages previously and third package.


Dr. Saif al Abri: Thanks to the preventive measures, we were able to maintain less than the expected number of injuries. We expected 1,600 cases per day and more than 200 cases in intensive care.


Dr. Saif al Abri: There are studies that the virus has not transmitted through paper publications, and some recommendations on this aspect will be submitted to the Supreme Committee.


Dr. Saif al Abri: The next two weeks are crucial due to the fact that we went through Ramadan, # Eid and then back to work of the government sector.


Dr Saif al Abri: Supreme Committee will open some areas Muttrah wilayat while maintaining the closure of Muttrah Souq


Dr. Saif Al-Abri: Muttrah souq and Al Hamriyah District will remain close due to the high infections reported in both places. Hence, the epidemiological situation will be reviewed during the next two weeks.


Dr. Saif Al-Abri: Permissible commercial activities will be allowed in Muttrah between 7 am and 6 pm.


Saif Al-Abri: Diagnose rate of Covid-19 is 50% positive in Muscat Governorate while it is 5% only in other governorates.


Dr. Saif Al-Abri: There are 5 centers providing rapid testing for those wishing to travel.


 


Minister of Regional Municipalities: Activities that were opened in two packages constituted 70%, and that the third package will be announced soon. 9,088 violations were reported when the first and second packages were opened.


Minister of Municipalities: Barbershops and beauty salons are not open now because they pose a risk in transmitting the virus.


Minister of Regional Municipalities: It has been agreed to exempt the activities from fines for delaying the renewal of contracts. Whoever renewed and paid the fines, the amount will be carried over to the next year or the next the contract period.


Minister of Municipalities: The third package, which was approved by the technical committee and will be announced next week, is a very ambitious package.


Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources: The new package will not include the reopening of wedding halls, beauty salons, and recreational activities.


 


Dr. Firyal Al-Lawati: 326 patients with moderate to severe conditions have been given hydroxychloroquine. Moderate cases have shown positive results.


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