Oman's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first death from the coronavirus, a 72-year-old man.

Oman currently has 192 cases of the virus and 45 recoveries.

The ministry extended "its deepest sympathies" to the deceased's family in a statement shared on TwitterIt came as the country confirmed a baby had been diagnosed with the illness, which is spreading across the world at a rapid pace. There are now over 850,000 cases worldwide resulting in 42,000 deaths. 178,000 people have recovered.

Omani Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi said in a radio interview broadcast by the local newspaper Al Shabibam that the baby was "doing well” and had mild symptoms.

He added the country had registered a further 13 cases.

While for most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can lead to severe symptoms like pneumonia.

Last week Oman banned public gatherings, began a lockdown and instructed government agencies to reduce staff levels to 30 per cent.

He also said that he expected the virus to peak by mid-April, but that there would be a surge in the next 2 weeks because of the arrival of Omani students from abroad

SOURCE : NATIONAL AE