The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Wednesday confirmed 1,142 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the total to 33,536. 

Among the newly diagnosed cases, 671 were Omanis and 471 were expatriates. The ministry conducted 3,585 tests on suspected cases in the last 24 hours, of which 1,142 turned positive.  

Of the new cases, Muscat reported 626 infections, with Seeb having the maximum number at 271, followed by Muttrah (163) and Bausher (98), among others.  

‘The number of new recoveries is 693, taking the total to 17,972, while the number of deaths was 142,’ an MoH statement said. As of Wednesday, a total of 417 patients were admitted in hospitals while 100 patients were in ICU. 

MoH calls upon all to adhere to the isolation procedures by staying in an isolated room with an attached toilet and serving the isolated person from outside the room as instructed. It said that social distancing also helps curb the spread of the virus.   

MoH advises all citizens and residents to keep on washing hands with water and soap, avoiding touching the face, nose, mouth, and eyes and following healthy habits when coughing and sneezing.