Muscat: The Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19 held a press conference today.
Speaking about COVID-19 vaccines, His Excellency Dr. Minister of Health, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Saidi stated that, "Oman has reserved over 8,570,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines so far."
Over 3,950,000 vaccines received so far
"There has been a significant decrease in the number of patients hospitalised and in intensive care. Precautionary measures must be followed despite the high rate of vaccination. The total doses Oman has received so far exceeds 3,950,000. There is a delay in immunising expats."
"We have decided to book additional doses for those aged 6 years and over after some countries decided to go ahead with vaccination for this age group. We have reserved over 8,570,000 doses of vaccines so far," the Minister of Health said.
Approved vaccines in Oman
CoviShield (made in India), Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca are the eight vaccines approved for use in Oman, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Saidi says.
Third dose
Speaking about the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines, the Minister of Health said, "The idea of a third dose, scientifically, is premature. The World Health Organisation has not recommended a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine."
Oman citizens abroad
"No Omani citizen who is abroad and has not been vaccinated will be prevented from returning to Oman, provided that precautionary measures are followed," the Minister of Health stated.
Covid-19 tests on arrival
"Even with new changes to the rules, Oman reserves the right to ask for Covid-19 tests on arrival into the Sultanate. There has been an uproar about these tests to be taken before arrival, on arrival and after quarantine, but unfortunately, many tests carried out globally may be fake," says Minister of Health, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Saidi.