Gulf governments sought to assure the public that authorities can handle the coronavirus outbreak as Oman announced its first death from the pandemic and cases rose sharply in Saudi Arabia.
Oman’s Ministry of Health said a man aged 72 died from Covid-19.
The country, which has recorded more than 200 cases of the coronavirus that causes the disease, banned public gatherings last week and restricted movement.
Saudi authorities announced six more deaths from the coronavirus and 157 new cases. The announcement by the Health Ministry on Wednesday brings the number of people who died from the epidemic in the kingdom to 14, and total cases to 1,730.
The Saudi government said that even with the number of cases increasing, authorities have the tools to bring the outbreak in the kingdom under control.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported ministers held a virtual Cabinet session on Tuesday and “affirmed the kingdom’s ability to deal with the pandemic and its effects on society and the national economy”.
Minister of Commerce Majid Al Qasabi highlighted a decision by King Salman last week to provide free medical care to anyone who contracts the virus, including those without valid residency permits.
The Cabinet said food supply flows were secure and that money “was made available to guarantee the continuation of government sector work and stimulating economic activity,” the agency said.
Saudi authorities have imposed curfews, sealed off major cities and urged people to delay Hajj trips planned for this year.
Muhammad Benten, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, told state TV this week that Muslims should wait before preparing for the pilgrimage because of uncertainty caused by the virus.
On Tuesday, the government reported two new deaths from coronavirus, taking the death toll to 10 as cases passed 1,500.
In the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said in televised remarks on Monday that the country was united in fighting the virus.
“God willing, we will get through this phase with you safely,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“I am reassured that the UAE is fully capable of managing this situation and sincerely thank all those involved in the fight against the virus.”
GCC health ministers have been meeting regularly online to co-ordinate a regional response, as authorities in the Arabian Peninsula intensify quarantines and curfews.
The official Bahraini news agency reported that a businessman and a lawyer have been sentenced to three months in jail for breaching orders to stay at home.
On Tuesday, Kuwaiti authorities said they closed a dozen shops for price gouging and warned inspections were under way to prevent supply manipulations amid the outbreak.
A statement by the country’s Trade Ministry said another 22 shops were issued citations and its teams were “continuing their rounds to preserve price stability”.
The ministry said the inspections covered shops selling food and other goods.
