Dubai: Oman has isolated 200 suspected cases of the new mutant strain of coronavirus, a top official at the Ministry of Health said.
Dr Adel Al Wahaibi, Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance Department at the Ministry of Health said: “We have so far confirmed six cases of the COVID-19 variant apart from the 200 suspected cases.”
The samples taken from the suspected cases have been sent to the central laboratory for detection and verification using genetic sequencing. “We are expecting the results later this week,” he said.
Dr. Al Wahaibi stressed that the suspected cases of the new mutant strains have been isolated just like other patients infected with the virus.
“The current increase in the number of COVID-19 cases is due to laxity and negligence of some in adhering to precautionary measures,” he noted.
He added: “The increase in the number of cases has recently become a concern due to the steady increase in number of new hospitalised cases. We will sound the alarm if the number of infections continue to rise.
“The Sultanate was able to control the cases coming from abroad, according to the decisions taken by the Supreme Committee, and it contributed greatly to reducing the incoming cases from abroad, but the local infection remained so everyone must adhere to avoid the spread of infection,” Dr. Al Wahaibi added.
Regarding the vaccination drive, he said the ministry targets to vaccinate 20 per cent of the population in the first half of this year.
