Local media reported that Oman has instructed all health workers, patients, and visitors to wear masks at health institutions to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading.

It was announced a few days ago that the Ministry of Health has noticed an increase in COVID-19 cases among health workers and outbreaks within health institutions (public and private), especially with the increase in public gatherings and community events, as well as the opening of travel to many countries.

Consequently, the Directorate General of Disease Surveillance and Control has asked that all health workers, patients and visitors inside hospitals and health care facilities wear masks and advised them to take the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they received their last dose more than 6-9 months ago.

In order to halt the spread of the virus, the directorate emphasized that administrative controls must be followed. Reducing hospital visitors, preventing self-centered gatherings, approving sick leave, and preventing unnecessary gatherings are among these measures.

The circular emphasizes the importance of taking precautionary measures to prevent any transmission of the virus in hospital and other health facilities. There should be an infection control team assigned to each institution to supervise these measures and to monitor infection data.