Saudi Arabia confirms first case of Omicron variant

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 06 Jan 2023

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia Wednesday confirmed the first case of coronavirus’ newly discovered variant ‘Omicron’ in a citizen coming from a North African, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

As per Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, the infected citizen and his contacts were isolated, and the approved health procedures were completed.

According to SPA, an epidemiological investigation was also conducted.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health “stressed the need for all members of society to complete receiving [COVID-19] vaccine doses and to adhere to all precautionary measures, preventive measures and approved protocols, as well as the importance of those coming from traveling to adhere to the instructions related to quarantine and laboratory examination for their safety and the safety of all,” SPA reported.

Earlier on Sunday, the kingdom suspended flights coming to and from Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Comoros, in a bid to curb the spread of Omicron.

Yesterday, Japan confirmed its first case of Omicron variant of the coronavirus in a person who arrived in the country from Namibia.

The visitor in his 30s had earlier tested positive for the coronavirus at the airport, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

The man is staying in a medical facility and the government is aware of his close contacts, Matsuno said.

Japan, however, is shutting its borders to foreigners on Tuesday for at least a month, among the strictest measures in the world to halt the entry of Omicron.