H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health has commended the remarkable efforts of the medical and administrative teams working to curb the health crisis in the sultanate. 

The Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the registration of 97 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday taking the total to 910 which  includes four deaths.  

The total number of recovered patients in the sultanate stands at 131 (14.3 per cent). H E Dr Sa’eedi attributed the growth in cases to two factors, firstly non-compliance with social distancing and secondly, due to the intensified medical tests. 

He also pointed out that of the total infected cases only 35 are in hospital. The minister also highlighted the facilities at The Royal Hospital. 

“The Royal Hospital can accommodate more than 150 to 200 intensive care beds if necessary; nonetheless, there are basic health services that must continue as obstetrics, gynaecological services, cancer services, heart services and urgent critical operations.” 

H E Dr Sa’eedi also stressed on giving priority to the health and safety of the staff. “We are seeking to  provide them with all the required equipment, medications and protective gear.”  The sultanate operated 16 flights to China to stock up on equipment, reagents and medical supplies required to deal with the crisis.  

He also said that the sultanate is deploying modern techniques to deal with this pandemic such as plasma transfusion – the efficacy of which has been established.  Efforts are also on to further track the infected cases. 

Tests for residents in Muscat governorate 

The Directorate General of Health Services of Muscat Governorate has announced that it will perform tests for residents with symptoms of COVID-19. Tests for the same will be held at Darsait Visa Medical Centre and Medical Fitness centres in Rusayl and Al Sharadi from 9am to 4pm. 

 Two major commercial centres shut down 

Muscat Municipality has closed two major commercial centres in the wilayat of Seeb. The centres were closed for violating the decisions of the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19.