Don’t panic over coronavirus cases, says Minister of Health

Oman Tuesday 25/February/2020 21:19 PM
By: Times News Service
Don’t panic over coronavirus cases, says Minister of Health

Muscat: Oman’s Minister of Health has asked locals and expats in the country to not panic, following the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the country.
Four persons, who had travelled back to Oman from Iran, were found infected with COVID-19.
Read here: More coronavirus cases detected in Oman
The minister’s advice comes in the wake of 250 people having been placed under quarantine, while healthcare officials in the country wait to see the results that will reveal whether or not they have COVID-19.
In an interview with Oman TV, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saeedi, said, “I am not going to underestimate the severity of the disease, but any unjustified exaggeration is unnecessary. There is no need for any unjustified intimidation by the novel coronavirus and the cases that we have reported are only minor symptoms.
“They visited a health centre in Muscat and necessary measures were taken, once it was known they had travelled from Iran,” added the minister. “A team was sent to their homes where they are currently under quarantine, to minimise the effect of the infection.”
Also read: 'Selling of face masks in bulk is not allowed'

Not so severe
Al Saeedi confirmed that the condition of the two citizens was not so severe that they needed hospitalisation, nor was there any compulsion to close schools and universities right now.
He also asked people to maintain hygienic conditions such as washing of hands and face with soap.
The Minister of Health said, “Monitoring of these cases is evidence of the robustness and accuracy of epidemiological surveillance in the Sultanate. The Ministry of Health is also coordinating with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education.”
The Ministry of Health also scotched rumours of coronavirus infections in Al Wusta governorate.
“There is no truth to what is being reported regarding the presence of nine new cases of coronavirus in Duqm. The Ministry of Health has called on all citizens and residents to not circulate rumours and to take information from official sources.”