Rising COVID-19 cases among Omanis in North Al Batinah explained

Muscat: Several governorates in the Sultanate, such as North Al Batinah, have witnessed a rise in COVID-19 cases among Omani citizens. This is because the percentage of Omani citizens to expats, is higher in these regions compared to governorates like Muscat, Al Wusta, South Al Batinah and Dhofar, the Director General of Diseases Surveillance and Control from the Ministry of Health said.
Also read: Cases reduce in Oman after closure enforced
Dr. Saif bin Salem Al Abri, Director General, spoke to Oman TV about the noticeable increase in the number of registered cases of COVID-19 in North Al Batinah Governorate: "Most of the cases of COVID-19 are registered among Omanis in all governorates except for the governorates of Muscat, Al Wusta, South Al Batinah and Dhofar. Governorates such as Northern Al Batinah have more Omani citizens and as a result, most cases registered are of citizens.”

“The percentage of population in North Al Batinah Governorate is almost 70 per cent Omanis. It is the second largest governorate in terms of population density."

Additionally, Dr. Al Abri said, ”The Supreme Committee’s decision to prevent movement and the closure of governorates can reduce the outbreak rate of the virus by at least 60%”