MUSCAT — The Sultanate of Oman reported 102 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 1,716, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday in a statement carried by state news agency ONA.

A total of 307 people have recovered from the virus and eight people have died in the country so far, according to the health ministry’s statement.

Oman, like other Gulf countries, has been reporting a steady spike in the number of daily reported cases. However, Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Obaid had warned earlier this month that that the cases would continue to rise.

“The cases are increasing, and we have not reached the peak,” he had said during a press conference.

Meanwhile, the ministry once again urged the public to adhere to precautionary measures like to continuously clean hands with water and soap, avoid touching the face, nose, mouth, and eyes, and follow healthy habits while sneezing and coughing.

It also called upon people to maintain social distancing practices to ensure the virus does not spread. — SG