Mutated strains fuel spread of Covid-19 in Oman: Health Ministry official

Muscat: The presence of mutated strains of the novel coronavirus, including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta strains, in the Sultanate, are pushing the spread of Covid-19 across Oman, Dr. Saif Salim Al Abri, Director General of Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

He was speaking at a press conference by the Supreme Committee to deal with Covid-19. “The rate of spread of the virus has increased by about 80 per cent during the current wave due to mutated strains,” Dr. Al Abri said.

“There are worrisome mutations of the virus including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants as well as others. The Delta variant is the most dangerous because of its rapid spread,” he said adding that three mutated strains of the coronavirus, including the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants had been detected in Oman so far.