MUSCAT: Oman’s health minister warned on Monday that hospitals in the country are reaching maximum capacity to treat novel coronavirus patients as cases are on the rise. 

Speaking to reporters after opening the first field hospital to treat coronavirus patients, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi said some people are still not adhering to social distancing rules. “All our hospitals are nearing capacity, especially the intensive care units. The cases are increasing and this is simply because some people are still ignoring the preventive measures,” Al Saidi said.

A total of 560 patients are admitted in various hospitals in the country, while 210 Covid-10 patients are in ICU. Meanwhile, on Monday, the Ministry of Health opened the first field hospital at old Muscat airport premises. The first phase will have 100 beds. If deemed necessary, the facility will be converted into a standard hospital.

Oman has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, with the country crossing the 100,000 mark on Sunday including 977 deaths.