Covid fear brings more curbs in Gulf

Jeddah: Covid-19 cases in Gulf region continue to soar amid fears that the highly contagious Omicron variant may lead to many nations gradually introducing precautionary measures that include curtailing public movement and travel. The ongoing Dubai Expo has temporarily suspended some activities that require close or direct contact as a precaution against latest Covid developments […]

Jeddah: Covid-19 cases in Gulf region continue to soar amid fears that the highly contagious Omicron variant may lead to many nations gradually introducing precautionary measures that include curtailing public movement and travel.

The ongoing Dubai Expo has temporarily suspended some activities that require close or direct contact as a precaution against latest Covid developments in the UAE. Some of the suspended activities include shows by roaming artistes. Additionally, the Expo increased the number of PCR testing facilities, and made PCR test mandatory for all frontline workers at the site as well as entertainment employees.

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The authorities also cautioned against over-the-top celebrations for Christmas and the New Year, besides restricting entry into government institutions only to people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 starting from January 3.

Oman has banned gatherings including marriages and mourning functions in mosques, halls and other public places. In an alarming development, Oman on Tuesday reported 15 new cases of the Omicron variant in the country. It also warned that the ministry of health is expecting the cases to rise in the coming days.

The UAE announced a 51 per cent increase in new cases in the last 24 hours. The Ministry of Health and Prevention said on Tuesday that a total of 452 new COVID-19 cases were detected in the last 24 hours, state news agency reported.

Bahrain also announced that there was an increase in the number of coronavirus cases after three months.

Saudi Arabia advised its people to not to travel unless it’s necessary as cases in the country are slightly on the rise. The country announced that people can now take the third dose or a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine three months after taking the second dose. It also made it mandatory to have a third vaccine or booster from February 1.

Other countries in the region also intensified the third dose or booster campaign.

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