Cases below 1,000 for first time in 47 days

The Sultanate has reported less than 1,000 daily cases of infection for the first time since May 27 (after 47 days), but the daily deaths shot up after a week of lull.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Tuesday reported 982 new cases and 37 deaths over the past 24 hours, compared to 12 fatalities reported a day before.

Around 122 patients were admitted to hospitals across the country in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of inpatients to 1,290, including 458 in intensive care units (ICUs).

The number of sick patients or active cases dropped to 22,756 (7.7 per cent) from 23,807 (8.7 per cent) on Monday and over 30,000 and 10 per cent on July 4.

The total number of cases registered in the Sultanate has now reached 287,054, including 3,482 deaths. The total number of recoveries is 260,826, while the recovery rate is 90.9 per cent.

With the vaccination drive getting momentum and new regulations announced last week by the Supreme Committee to be implemented ahead of Eid holidays, a substantial drop in the Covid related mortality figures and cases since July 4 has been a sign of relief.

According to experts, the 37 new deaths reported on Tuesday is a matter of concern as the country still has over 450 patients in ICUs.

“The fact that the overall recovery rate has improved, and the number of active cases has dropped is a positive sign. We need to be careful during upcoming holidays.”

The ministry on Monday reported 1,167 new cases and 12 deaths.

The total number of people vaccinated in the Sultanate since the beginning of the national campaign has reached 1,359,65, which is 38 per cent of the total target groups.

The ministry said it is continuing a campaign to vaccinate the target group with vaccines in all governorates of the Sultanate between 5 pm and 4 am. It will continue until July 31. There will be a total lockdown during three days of Eid.

To tackle the further spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Supreme Committee has extended lockdown by three hours from July 16 to prevent people from gathering in large numbers. The Supreme Committee said the lockdown, which will be between 5 pm and 4 am, will continue until July 31.