Four cases of infection with the new strain of COVID-19 have so far been reported in Oman, according to H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health.

About COVID-19 vaccines, he informed that the next batch of Pfizer shots will be delivered mid-February. “The ministry made great efforts in coordination with international organisations and succeeded in booking 1mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which will arrive gradually.” 

In an interview with Oman TV following the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines from India, H E Sa’eedi said, “We welcome the government of India’s gesture to gift 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and commend the cooperation between the two countries.”

He lauded India’s leading role in the global fight against COVID-19 and the support that India has extended to its friends and partners in their efforts. 

The minister clarified that it is not possible for those who  received the first dose of Pfizer vaccine to take the AstraZeneca vaccine as booster dose, and that  the initial evidences show the new strain of the coronavirus responds to vaccines manufactured against COVID-19. 

H E Sa’eedi emphasised that not all people can be vaccinated so “we must adhere to health measures such as social distancing and wearing mask”.

598 new cases 

The Ministry of Health has registered 598 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in Oman in three days. In the same period, 282 recoveries were reported.

The total number of cases in the country has  now touched 134,326, including 126,854 recoveries and 1,529 deaths. 

Land borders closed till Feb 8

The Supreme Committee in charge of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has decided to keep the sultanate’s land borders closed for one more week till 6pm of Monday, February 8. 

This comes as per recommendations of the specialised technical team which is following up on the spread of the new strain of virus causing COVID-19.