Omicron spreads in the gulf belt, nations on high alert

 Many of the gulf nations have largely been successful in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the second year. Omicron was introduced last month and it was the new danger that the Arab countries had to deal with and hence they have been bringing some changes in the restrictions to ensure public safety. 

If it was not for the latest variant, there were chances that restrictions would have slowly started to get dissolved but with the increased thought of danger, the efforts that the region is making have doubled. This is also because Omicron is a highly transmissible variant that increases the risks of infections. 

Saudi Arabia was among the first Gulf countries to introduce a fresh set of rules to counter the attack. They have announced shortening the time interval for getting the booster shot against Covid-19 from six months to three amid rising scare. Other than that Full immunization is mandatory for accessing public and private institutions in the kingdom.

Kuwait and Qatar have been campaigning in the nation to promote public safety and enforce certain measures that would guarantee to curb the virus spread.  Qatar also urged people to get their hands on the booster shot if they come under the eligible criteria. 

Other mandates in Qatar include that the travelers must take a PCR test result at medical centers, which must be accredited by the health authorities in the country of departure. The result must be negative for the traveler to get assurance.

The Kuwaiti government also made receiving booster shots mandatory from January 2 next year. They have also introduced regulations with respect to PCR tests so that travelers and civilians are guaranteed protection at all times with the available report done 72 hours before the trip.