Muscat: Oman’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has shared results of the first phase of the national serological survey of the COVID-19 virus.
The information indicates that the infection is prevalent more among non-Omanis with 8.7 per cent testing positive and Omanis accounting for 3.9 per cent. Muscat and Al Wusta governorates topped the list, with 9.2 per cent infected cases in each of the regions. The key cities in Al Wusta region are Duqm, Haima, Mahout and Al Jazir. Buraimi governorate recorded 7.3 per cent infections, followed by North and South Batnah with 5.7 and 5.6 per cent respectively. The least infections were recorded in Musandam with 0.9 per cent.
The survey that started on 12th July will be conducted on four sessions, with each session lasting five days, with an interval in between each session.
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The study at this stage also indicated that the total number of infections in Oman is estimated at 276,685 including symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
The communication shared by Ministry of Health stressed the importance of the first stage of collecting samples, noting that the continuation of the survey and results of the subsequent stages are the most important. The need of sustained participation of Omani citizens and expatriates in the survey was stressed to complete the survey process successfully.
The cross-sectional survey includes all parts of the Sultanate, Omanis and expatriate volunteers whose blood samples are collected and tested as part of this exercise.
The survey aims to assess the extent of infection according to age groups, monitor cases not diagnosed in the laboratory, and estimate the level of infection at the governorate level and the rate of infection in asymptomatic cases and the cumulative number of infected cases. In addition, it will assess the impact of the standard of living on the extent of the disease and the effects of lockdown on the spread of the epidemic.
