MUSCAT: The Supreme Committee has expressed concern on the sharp rise in the number of infection cases and cases of patients admitted to hospital wards and intensive care units (ICUs).

In a statement issued while announcing stricter measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Oman, the committee said that the health sector is undergoing heavy pressure. Oman’s total coronavirus cases touched 165,482 on Tuesday including 1728 deaths.

“The Supreme Committee noted the widespread prevalence of the pandemic in different governorates of the Sultanate and the outcome of daily statistical reports during the current period, indicating that the health sector is undergoing heavy pressure from the sharp rise in the number of infections and cases of patients admitted to hospital wards and intensive care units (ICUs),” the statement said.

On Monday, the committee took a series of tough measures including imposing a nighttime movement ban throughout the holy month of Ramadan, limiting entry to the country for only Omani citizens and expat resident visa holders, and banning all gatherings.

The Supreme Committee said all the procedures “undertaken so far have been made, in the first place, to protect society and alleviate Covid-19 patients’ health impacts that might lead to death. The Supreme Committee hereby reaffirms that the above-mentioned procedures will not achieve the desired success unless all—individuals and establishments—abide by the instructions,” the statement added.