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Merge 104.8 | 21 March 2021
Life can return to semi-normal state by the end of the year as more people get vaccinated, said Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Hosani, the Undersecretary for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health.
The Sultanate plans to vaccinate about 30 percent of its population by the end of June, and around 70 percent by the end of the year and has so far signed deals with three manufacturers: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. It is in negotiations with other manufacturers who are awaiting approval from international bodies.
“91,000 people in the country have already received the vaccinations – this constitutes 57 per cent of our target groups,” he said. “Around 30,000 people have received both doses, and 60,000 have been given a single dose so far.” Rumors that had been circulating about the safety of the vaccines raised skepticism in the country, but Dr Mohammed al Hosani assured that Oman is among the strictest countries in the world when it comes to selecting vaccines for its people, and only brings in those that have passed the minimum international requirements.
Around 5.4 Million doses are expected to come in by the end of 2021, he said.
He added that the Sultanate is looking into launching a COVID-19 health passport, to ensure smooth travels for vaccine recipients.
