The Ministry of Health (MoH) has kicked off COVID-19 tests in Muttrah for the citizens and residents who showed symptoms. 

The tests were conducted at Muttrah Sabla as well as Muttrah Health Centre with the help of volunteers who made sure the tests run smoothly. MoH will continue to conduct daily medical testing and sample collection of citizens and residents who show symptoms of coronavirus in the wilayat of Muttrah until all are completely tested, the ministry stated.  

Among the total cases registered in Oman, Muttrah has the largest percentage with almost 50 per cent of cases reported in the wilayat alone many of which are local transmission. The tests were part of new procedures at the national level to combat COVID-19 outbreak in Oman. Dr Saif al Abri, director general of Diseases Surveillance & Control at the Ministry of Health, said that most of the cases are in the wilayats of Muscat, Bausher, Seeb and Muttrah.  

“The highest percentage of local transmission is in Muttrah. As of Thursday, the recorded cases in Muttrah were 206, which include 160 expatriates,” he said. 

Dr Abri said that COVID-19 examinations will be intensified at the national level and new procedures will be launched within the next two weeks. “Oman’s health institutions have the capacity to accommodate the growing number of COVID-19 cases,” he said. 

MoH said there are enough testing kits to conduct the tests.  “Many kits have arrived from China and the government will conduct more tests across Oman soon,” H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health, said. 

“To ensure the safety of medical workers, Oman has also started producing masks and other safety equipment locally,” H E Dr Sa’eedi added.