Oman to conduct countrywide COVID-19 infection survey

The Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Health, will carry out an investigative countrywide survey on coronavirus (Covid-19) infection on 12 July 2020.

The survey will cover all governorates of the Sultanate and it will be a serialized segmental survey. Specimens will be collected from members of the population across all age-groups, including expatriates.

The survey mainly seeks to measure the extent of prevalence of Covid-19 infection in the Omani society as part of the national strategy for the upcoming period. The results of the survey will be used as indicators to the time when restrictions to movement can be lifted and when all services and activities can be opened in the country.

Other goals of the study include assessing the spread of infection in terms of age-groups, non-diagnosed cases, level of infection per wilayat, the proportion of dormant infections, the total number of infections, the ratio of living standard to infection propagation in the wilayats and assessing the extent of pandemic proliferation in lockdown areas, compared to non-locked areas.

The survey will be carried out in four rounds, 5 days each, with two-week intervals in a span of 10 weeks.

The specimens will be collected in random order and according to population data provided by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. Information will be collected via Tarassud programme and it will cover demographical data, the type of Covid-19 antibodies in the blood, disease history, social status and symptoms.

While lab testing continues to register new cases of infection, it has become necessary to conduct a national survey of antibodies, which will reveal the actual prevalence of infection in the society and the cumulative level of infection in all segments of the society.

The survey is considered a means of gauging immunity in the population and an effective method of monitoring the spread of the disease