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Merge 104.8 | 04 June 2020
Oman’s Minister of Health, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Saeedi, has confirmed that a total of 186 health workers in Oman have tested positive for COVID-19.
Speaking at the ninth Supreme Committee press conference held today [Thursday, June 4], His Excellency stated that the majority of these infections among staff are a result of community contact.
Also speaking at the briefing was Dr. Frial bint Ali Al Lawati, Sr. Consultant & Head of Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health. Speaking on the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine as a supportive treatment for COVID-19 patients, Dr. Al Lawati stated that, thus far, no negative side effects or complications were seen when the drug was administered to patients with moderate cases of COVID-19.
His Excellency the Minster of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al Saeedi also said that the hydroxychloroquine, of which the Ministry of Health purchased one million tablets of in April, will also be used to treat other diseases in addition to its use in treating COVID-19 patients.
Dr. Al Lawati also confirmed that the use of immune plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients in Oman has been used to treat 40 patients still sick with the virus, with 28 cases benefiting from the treatment.
Dr. Al Lawati went on to state further that 10 per cent of COVID-19 patients who recovered, donated plasma. Pregnant women or women who have previously been pregnant, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases are exempt from such voluntary donations. Also, patients who have been virus-free for longer than 28 days are exempt from donating.
When asked during the press conference about the re-opening of beauty shops, barbershops, and event management businesses, the Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Shuhi said that some businesses in their nature require mass gatherings — which cannot be permitted in the current scenario.
On this, His Excellency the Minister of Health also added that businesses such as barbershops can’t operate without close proximity between the customer and the service provider for example.
When asked about tracking bracelets for COVID-19 patients, Dr. Saif bin Salim Al Abri, Director General of Disease Surveillance & Control said that more bracelets will arrive next week to cover all coronavirus patients, with the intent of also using such bracelets for people who have also been in contact with the patient.
(Also read: COVID-19 Live: 30% of fatalities in Oman among patients with diabetes.)
