Oman: coronavirus cases could reach 500 a day at peak

Health Minister says country expects to reach its peak by next week

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Oman expects the number of coronavirus cases in the country to reach 500 a day at its peak, the country's health minister said on Thursday. 
The Sultanate recorded 109 new cases on Thursday, bringing the country's overall infections to 1,019 and four deaths.
"We expect to record peak cases to be about 500 infections a day, 150 of which will require intensive care,"  Oman's Health Minister, Ahmed Mohammed Al Saeedi, said. 
Precautionary measures must be taken seriously, the minister said. The number of cases, he said, are still on the rise.
The country is expected to reach its peak during the week of April 23, the minister said.

"Cases are on the rise but we have not seen a sharp rise but rather a slowdown, which is less than the global levels," Mr Al Saeedi said. 
Oman begun using convalescent plasma to treat those infected this week.
The procedure includes using blood of recovered individuals, who are thought to have the coronavirus antibodies in their system, on infected patients.
"The procedure was carried out in co-operation between the Central Blood Bank and the Royal Hospital and a number of other sectors, and we will see the results in the coming days," Mr Al Saeedi said. 
But the procedure is expensive.
"For intensive care patients it reached 1,000 riyals (Dh9,537) per day and for laboratory testing it ranges between 20-50 riyals, additional costs must be included," Mr Al Saeedi said. 
The health minister described the disease as an "enemy that cannot be seen that can be combated by social distancing". 
Oman has taken extensive measures to curb the spreading of the virus during the past few weeks.

Most public venues have been shut and the government has locked down Muscat Governorate, which includes the capital. 
Earlier this week, the government advised its ministries and other sectors to cut spending and announced measures to support the private sector and safeguard Omani jobs. 
The finance ministry said that government agencies must cut their budgets by at least 10 per cent.