Cairo: Oman on Tuesday reported its first coronavirus death, that of a 72-year-old Omani citizen.
The country also reported 13 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking to 192 its overall infections, according to the Health Ministry.
Of the total, 34 cases have recovered, the ministry added without details.
Omani authorities have put in place a raft of precautions aimed at limiting the incidence of the highly infectious 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.
Oman has also banned public gatherings and halted all publications as part of the health precautions.
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Oman’s Health Minister, said his country could take tougher measures in the face of the new coronavirus (Coved 19).
He said Oman has not yet decided to impose a curfew, but there are stringent measures issued by the Higher Committee to Combat Coronavirus, including reducing the number of workers in the government sector to 70 per cent.
"In our future meetings, we may take more stringent decisions,” Al Saidi said
