Spike In New Covid-19 Variant

The COVID19 variation EG.5 is now circulating, and it is closely similar to the XBB version which has been monitored for the last six months. Notably, it possesses a specific mutation that is known to disable some immunity that is acquired following an infection or vaccination.

With a total of 23 patients in hospitals throughout the parallel and hybrid healthcare systems, the Ministry of Health reported a drop in the overall number of cases over the past two weeks. Hospitalizations during that time also remained at low levels.

Persons vulnerable to the new variant are those with chronic diseases, the elderly, pregnant patients, and the unvaccinated. One should continue to maintain the principles and practice of good hygiene as these measures will assist in the maintenance of our low levels of transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Fever, coughing, exhaustion, pains in the muscles, and headaches are among the signs of EG.5

according to The Ministry of Health.

The Government is reminding citizens that vaccines are accessible to persons 12 and older. The Sinopharm vaccine is only accessible as a main and booster dosage for adults, whereas the Pfizer vaccination will only be given as a booster dose to children over 12 and adults. The Sinopharm vaccinations expire on September 9, while one batch of the Pfizer vaccines in stock expires on September 30. Influenza vaccinations will be made accessible between October 2023 and May 2024.

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