Tuesday 29 / April / 2025
Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is already causing a global panic. Since last week, people in Oman have also not remained unaffected after six cases coming to light in the country. As a lay person, how should you approach this pandemic disease?
Also read: Over 1,000 persons under quarantine in Oman
What is Coronavirus 2019?
This virus was first noted in a group of patients with pneumonia working at a sea food market in Wuhan region of China. This virus belongs to the same family of SARS and MERS coronavirus with a different character.
How it spreads?
It can spread from animal to human, and from human to human. It spreads by close contact (of one metre) with an infected person. It also spreads from an infected person directly while coughing and sneezing, or when our hand and nose comes in contact with surfaces where infected respiratory secretions are there.
Incubation period (period of infectivity) for this virus is 7-14 days.
What are the symptoms?
It presents like normal flu and cold or sometimes with complications like pneumonia or breathlessness due to respiratory failure.
Is there a vaccine or cure for coronavirus?
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 and can only be treated with supportive care.
How to protect oneself from infection?
• Avoid unprotected contact with live animals. Thoroughly wash your hands after contact with live animals or raw meat.
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing with towel, tissue or forearm.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol rub.
• Make sure that animal products are cooked well before eating and utensils used to handle meat are washed well.
Advice for travellers heading to areas where travel restrictions related to COVID-19 exist
Follow the guidelines given by the WHO and the countries where you are. Avoid travel as far as possible until declared safe for travel by the WHO. Take all precautions mentioned above. Avoid going to crowded places, markets and public places.
Advice for people who are coming from countries like China and Iran
If you are coming within 14 days from any of the above countries, if you have had direct contact with a person who has visited China and is suffering from cough, cold, fever or other chest infection symptoms, immediately contact your nearest health centre or hospital.
Any restrictions within Oman?
As of now there are no restrictions in Oman to visit public places or shopping malls. However, follow the guidelines given by the government of Oman. Never believe unhealthy rumours. Instead, keep yourself clean by using handwash available at all public places, malls and hospitals.
Any dangers in importing commercial products from ‘risky’ countries?
There is no confirmation of transmission through non-animal products and in most of the cases transportation time is well outside the incubation period.
COVID-19 is an emerging disease and there is more to learn about its transmissibility, severity and other features in coming days. However novel coronavirus 2019 is spreading to new countries. As citizens of Oman our responsibility is to maintain good hygiene and encourage the same among family members, friends and people we come across. So, “do not panic but be cautious.” As a global citizen we all must work together to be free from this disease.
For more information please call 24799760 or visit: www.badralsamaahospitals.com
Dr. Basheer Alikaparambil
MD (Internal Medicine), SAC Diploma (Diabetis-UK)
HOD - Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases
Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi
