The Ministry of Health announced the detection of the XBB.1.5 mutant, which belongs to a subset of the Omicron mutant of the coronavirus, reported Al-Rai Media. However, the ministry confirmed in a statement that the epidemiological situation in the country remains stable, and it has renewed the call for the need to adhere to preventive guidelines, especially based on preliminary information indicating the quick spread of the new mutant.
The report mentioned that the new mutant was discovered through genetic analyses in more than 30 countries around the world since the beginning October last year, stressing that the emergence of such mutations is expected but does not cause concern.
In this regard, the ministry advised the importance of covering the mouth and nose in closed, unventilated places and within therapeutic health institutions, and to avoid crowded places especially when symptoms or signs of disease are visible. The ministry also advised the completion of the prescribed doses of the coronavirus vaccine, as well as vaccines for seasonal influenza and pneumonia.
