Health minister assures no Omicron cases in Kuwait

Health minister assures no Omicron cases in Kuwait

By B Izzak & KUNA

KUWAIT: Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah yesterday said although the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has spread in many countries, there are no reported cases of the strain in Kuwait. On the sidelines of celebrating the opening of the Al-Funaitees Medical Center, Sheikh Basel confirmed that the ministry’s procedures in this regard were exceptional even before the existence of this mutation.

Health regulations and procedures imposed in Kuwait had prevented this virus from spreading among citizens and residents, the minister noted. “We urge all people to keep wearing their masks in closed areas, get vaccinated, get the third booster dose and do their PCR tests,” he stressed. He added that even with the good vaccination rate in the country, the number of cases will rise if the new variant spreads in the country, and this is why “we have to increase our protection level among the people and society”.

Sheikh Basel said that the ministry conducted genetic sequencing during previous periods to make sure there was no such mutation in the country. “Although people appear fearful of the new mutation, we can assure that this mutation is similar to the regular seasonal flu viruses; therefore the effectiveness of