Oman reports 21 new virus cases; tally 231

Cairo: Oman on Thursday announced 21 further cases of the novel coronavirus, raising to 231 its total infections, according to the Health Ministry.

A total of 41 cases have recovered, the ministry added in an update on the highly infectious ailment.

On Tuesday, Oman announced its first death of Covid-19. The fatality was a 72-year-old Omani man.

Omani authorities have taken a raft of precautions aimed at limiting the spread of the virus in the country. They include suspending flights, stopping the issuance of tourist visas and all sporting events as well as banning the entry of tourist vessels to the Sultanate's ports.

The sultanate has also banned public gatherings and halted printing all publications as part of health precautions.