MoH rules out stricter lockdown measures as Omicron spreads

  • 1/3/2022
  • 00:00
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
news-picture

RIYADH - The Ministry of Health has ruled out the stricter lockdown measures as Omicron spreads, the Ministry of Health official spokesman Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdel Ali confirmed. The spokesman"s confirmation came during televised interview in a program titled “YaHalaShow” on Rotana Khalijiya channel on Monday, where he said that the reason for the exclusion is that the symptoms of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia are not the same as its beginning in 2020. noting that the Kingdom has made a huge stride in confronting COVID-19, and the sufficient awareness of the people to prevent the virus, as well as the high immunity due to receiving the vaccines. The spokesman said that the pandemic has gone through many stages globally, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is part of this world, stating that the omicron variable is present in every country without exception, where it is currently prevalent in the Kingdom and in the world. The evidence that emerged from Omicron says that it is the fastest spread, and this explains the sudden increase in infected cases in the kingdom, he said. Completing the reasons for the increase in infected cases in the Kingdom, the spokesman indicated that most of the infections that were monitored are from those who did not take the vaccine, and those who did not complete their doses. The escalation of Omicron will decrease soon, especially after the return of preventive measures, The spokesman confirmed while adding that the Studies have proven that the third dose strongly protects against getting infected with the virus, as well as to combat its spread. Studies have proven that the symptoms will be very mild for those who have contracted the Covid-19 virus while completing their doses. "The percentage of the cases without having severe disease, we do not want it, but it does not constitute a concern" Dr. Al-Abdel Ali said while noting that "The biggest fear and concern are those whose symptoms requires an admission to the intensive care units, and the death rates". During the interview, the spokesperson noted that the drugs to treat COVID-19 are still under studies, and it is not expected that vaccines will be stopped even with the presence of drugs, stressing the role of committees and experts in the Kingdom to follow up on all health developments. Saudi Arabia has a sufficient number of vaccines, and one of its humanitarian roles is not limiting the vaccines inside the Kingdom, but to export it abroad. 95% of Saudis from the targeted age group in the Kingdom completed their doses, while the proportion of the total population of Saudi Arabia who completed their doses reached between 70% to 75%. It is noteworthy that the interview with the official spokesman has been held at the headquarters of the National Health Center for Command and Control (CCC), which saw the light two months before the start of the pandemic. The National Command and Control Center is the first and only national health center in the world, which many sectors have joined to lead, control and follow up on the pandemic. The CCC is distinguished by its inclusion of 18 detailed panels that contain many data about the pandemic and ways to manage any emergency could occur, monitoring of potential threats, and overseeing preparedness in all MOH’s facilities across regions. The Spokesman concluded his interview by sending a message to all citizens and residents, saying, “Do not be affected by the false information, and do not let seeing the daily increase in numbers of infected cases cause you to fear and panic, and I call on everyone to complete taking their doses and adhere to preventive precautions.” Dr. Al-Abdel Ali thanked and raised his highest gratitude and appreciation to every person who helped in addressing the pandemic, as they sacrificed their lives in order to treat patients to preserve their safety and health, where he described them as the "White Army".

مشاركة :