COVID-19: Indian expat nurse succumbs to virus in Oman

Muscat: Oman’s Ministry of Health released a condolence note today for the first coronavirus-related death among MOH health workers in Oman. Nurse Blessy Thomas, from India, succumbed to COVID-19 at the Royal Hospital ICU.

“With great sadness and sorrow, the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman mourns the passing away of nurse Blessy Thomas at the Royal Hospital ICU yesterday due to COVID-19. This is the first death among health workers in MoH. The deceased was a true hero and a role model of hard and sincere work. The Minister of Health, as well as the MoH personnel and all health workers in Oman express their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased,” the note read.

Many friends and colleagues had expressed their shock and dismay with the news. Blessy is survived by her husband and two young children. There was a previous case of a death of a health worker due to COVID-19 who was working for a private clinic.

Dr. Thomas of Al Maha Polyclinic said that the news is extremely shocking but given the extent of exposure of health workers during the time of pandemic, this is a situation that everyone in this field is aware about. “The health workers are the true warriors now and their role is beyond what any of us can think of. When I see the doctors, nurses and lab technicians in my clinic tirelessly attend to the patients daily without taking a break, I am so grateful.”