MUSCAT — Oman recorded 207 new cases of the novel coronavirus, which brings the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 81,787, the ministry of health announced on Monday.

Of the new cases, 167 affected Omanis and 40 foreigners.

Eight people died due to COVID-19, raising the total number of virus-related deaths to 521.

The number of recoveries in the country rose to 76,124 after 1,433 more people recovered from the coronavirus.

The ministry also pointed out that 53 cases were hospitalized over the past 24 hours, adding that the total number of current hospitalized COVID-19-infected patients stands at 482, of them 172 are in intensive care units (ICUs).

Oman has advised all citizens and residents to avoid family visits, stay at home unless absolutely necessary, and to maintain a two-meter distance between each other at all times. Face masks have also been mandated. — Agencies