MoPH recommends actions to be taken for people infected with Covid-19 Omicron variant

MoPH urges caution as Omicron cases detected

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has explained the recommended action to take in case of mild, moderate or severe symptoms of the Covid-19 Omicron variant. "Most people infected with the Omicron variant experience mild or moderate symptoms of Covid-19 and do not need hospital care. This guide highlights the common symptoms associated with mild, moderate and severe Covid-19 infection and outlines the correct course of action to take," the ministry said in an advisory on social media. In mild cases, the common symptoms are low-grade fever, dry cough, sinus congestion, sinus pressure or runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea,  and fatigue. In such cases, it is recommended that "you isolate yourself and avoid contact with family members and other people, take paracetamol to reduce the symptoms, keep yourself hydrated and avoid staying in bed for prolonged periods", the advisory states. People with mild symptoms can get tested if they wish to, the MoPH says. If the result is positive in a Rapid Antigen self-test, "you may visit an approved medical facility for an official Covid-19 test to obtain a certificate and have your Ehteraz status changed".  One may also visit a medical centre authorised to do Covid-19 testing. In moderate cases, the common symptoms are high fever, deep cough, chills with repeated shaking, low back pain, muscle pain, fatigue and bodyache, and some shortness of breath while moving, with an oxygen saturation level of 94% or more while breathing room air. "Isolate yourself and avoid contact with family members and other people, take paracetamol to reduce the symptoms, keep yourself hydrated and avoid staying in bed for prolonged periods", the MoPH advises. "If you are 60 or above or if you have a serious chronic condition like cancer, have heart failure or kidney failure, or are immuno-compromised, please call 16000 and ask for further guidance," it adds. People with moderate symptoms can also get tested if they wish to, the advisory says. If the result is positive in a Rapid Antigen self-test, "you may visit an approved medical facility for an official Covid-19 test to obtain a certificate and have your Ehteraz status changed".  One may also visit a medical centre authorised to do Covid-19 testing. In severe cases of infection, the common symptoms are chest pain, bluish lips or face, confusion/unresponsiveness, extreme fatigue and bodyache, and shortness of breath (even when not exerting yourself) with an oxygen saturation level of less than 94% while breathing room air. Individuals with severe symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 should seek medical attention immediately, the MoPH says. They should visit a primary health centre or call 999 if experiencing life-threatening symptoms.