The 9th Press Conference of the Supreme Committee

The Supreme Committee on Covid-19 held its 9th weekly press conference on Thursday. Here are the highlights from the press conference.

His Excellency the Minister of Health during the press conference of the Higher Committee to deal with the spread COVID-19: We highly appreciate His Majesty the Sultan’s directive to establish a new central public health laboratory

Minister of Health: 778 new Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total to 14, 316

Minister of Health: The increase in the number of active investigations and epidemiological investigations is among the reasons for the recent increase in the number of infections

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

Minister of Health: The commitment of most members of society is behind the rapid escalation of the epidemiological curve of the disease

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

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

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

Minister of Health: Lifting the closure of most of the areas of Muttrah starting next Saturday but some areas will remain under isolation due to medical reasons, including Hamriyah District and old Muttrah neighbourhood

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: 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

Minister of Health: A large number of deaths occurred in people in their homes or late arrivals to health institutions.

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

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.

His Excellency the Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources: The Supreme Committee is studying a new package of commercial activities that will be allowed to carry on its work

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

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 Dhofar governorate will be taken as per the data of the epidemiological situation

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.