Dr Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al Saidi addresses a press conference.

Gulf Today Report

The Oman Ministry of Health has announced that four suspected cases of the new strain of coronavirus have been reported in the country.

The Oman Ministry said that there is an ongoing study to confirm that there are 4 cases of the new strain of virus coming from the United Kingdom. The ministry said that the study of the virus's genetic map would be announced.

Dr Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al Saidi, Minister of Health, and Member of the Supreme Committee in charge of examining the mechanism of dealing with developments of coronavirus, confirmed that there is a close follow-up by Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said and the Supreme Committee and the technical team for all developments relating to this virus.

A medical worker collects a swab sample from a passenger for a RT-PCR test in Muscat. AFP

Al Saidi said that the Covid-19 virus is rapidly mutating, and since the genetic map of this virus is known, it has had more than 4,000 mutations.

The Minister of Health clarifies that there are no indications that the new strain of virus is more virulent and dangerous than the COVID-19, indicating that the currently available vaccines will have the same response as the first virus.

Mask-clad men use disinfecting gel at a mosque in Muscat. AFP

The minister announces that next Thursday, 15,600 doses will arrive in the Sultanate, with about 28,000 doses arriving in January, stressing that the Sultanate is one of the first countries in the region to join the International Vaccine Alliance.

The Minister of Health clarifies that the Ministry has set controls for the target groups to take the vaccine, and the priority will be for those with chronic diseases and those over the age of 60.