Oman reports two cases of coronavirus, quarantines 250 on suspicion

Oman confirmed that two of its female citizens who had tested positive for the coronavirus infection, had travelled to the sultanate from Iran.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed that the infected citizens were under quarantine and in a stable condition, Times of Oman reported.

The ministry urged all to adhere to home quarantine protocols for travellers coming in from countries that have registered coronavirus cases.

In addition, over 250 people who flew into the sultanate from affected countries were earlier quarantined on suspicion of having contracted the virus, according to Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health.

‘More than 250 people who came from countries affected by #coronavirus to the Sultanate were quarantined on suspicion.’@OmaniMOH #COVID19 #كورونا #كورونا_عمان https://t.co/BN8OM0VLz8

— Times of Oman (@timesofoman) February 25, 2020

“The ministry tracked 35 people who were close to the two people with symptoms of coronavirus, whether they were with them on the plane or visited them, and some have been contacted – so far – to conduct necessary checks for them,” Dr. Saidi told Oman TV.

Meanwhile, Oman’s Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA) announced the suspension of all flights to and from Iran effective Monday until further notice.

In the GCC, UAE has reported a total of 13 coronavirus cases, while Kuwait confirmed five individuals to have contracted the virus. Bahrain registered its second case of the Covid-19 on Monday, February 24.

Read more: Coronavirus update: Kuwait, Bahrain report additional cases

In recent days, Iran has proven to be the cynosure of the virus in the Middle East, with 12 deaths and 61 confirmed cases.