Muscat – Hospitals in the sultanate are once again reporting an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Although those getting infected are reporting mild symptoms, doctors urge caution and observance of tried and tested precautionary measures, such as wearing mask and social distancing, to avoid another wave.

Last week, the World Health Organization said that COVID-19 continues to be a matter of concern with almost 22.5mn confirmed cases and more than 344,000 deaths reported as of July 24 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Confirming the rising casing, Dr K P Raman, chairman of Al Hayat International Hospital, said, “Our hospital has indeed been seeing an increase in COVID-19 patients recently, though there are no severe cases in the ICU or on ventilator. But we must not take things for granted. Precautions like social distancing and wearing masks in crowded places and in airports must be observed again.”

He noted that “though most of us are vaccinated, we must remember that the anti-bodies produced in our body due to the vaccine fade away with time and thus we will once again be prone to the virus.
So the best option is precaution”.

Dr Basheer A, head of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases of Badr al Samaa Hospital in Ruwi, urged all to follow precautionary measures despite the lifting of restrictions. “We are seeing an increase in the number of patients presenting with flu symptoms; some of these cases could be COVID-19. Do not ignore any cough and fever. The virus hasn’t been totally eradicated. Always wash hands and try to wear masks in closed spaces.”

The current trend shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, according to Dr Ahmed al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

“We try to forget COVID-19, but the virus has not forgotten us. In fact, it is taking advantage of our complacency to spread and mutate. I call on all countries to maintain compliance to effective public health and social measures and increase vaccination coverage.”

The Ministry of Health recently called on citizens and residents to take the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

‘Due to increased activity of the COVID-19 virus in many parts of the world, the Ministry of Health calls upon all those who did not receive the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to do so,’ a statement said.

It added that those who received the booster more than nine months ago, need to take another dose.