Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the Gulf

Outbreaks of the new coronavirus are rising sharply in many Gulf Arab states, with new infections in Saudi Arabia doubling in two days to more than 2,500 and in Qatar and Kuwait exceeding the “psychological” threshold of 1,000.

Cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in all six Gulf countries. The official figures, however, do not distinguish between the variants.

Saudi Arabia, the largest country with a population of about 30 million, recorded 2,585 new cases on Tuesday, up from about 1,000 on Sunday. However, it is still well below the record set in June 2020, with more than 4,700 cases in one day.

From December 30, the use of a mask in public places is mandatory. Authorities urged Saudis to avoid unnecessary travel abroad.

In neighboring Qatar, 1,695 new cases were announced today, the highest number since last summer. For days, many have been waiting in line at special centers to undergo PCR testing, while schools are now operating with distance learning. Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of Qatar’s vaccination campaign, told state television that the wave of infections was related to the Omicron variant and that most cases were reported among those who had not been vaccinated and those who had received the two doses of the vaccine six years ago. and more months.

More than 2,500 cases were reported in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, at a time when the country is hosting a global exhibition and the tourist season is at its peak.

In Kuwait, the number of cases reached 1,492 today and the authorities banned the events indoors until February 28.

In Bahrain, where daily cases had risen to 3,000 in May but dropped to around 100 in July, they now hover around 900. In December, authorities banned all unnecessary activities for the unvaccinated.

Source: AMPE