By Tommy Hilton

DUBAI -- Oman has banned mass gatherings for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and extended the current lockdown in its capital Muscat until May 8 as coronavirus cases in the country continue to rise, the country’s Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 announced on Tuesday.

Oman put its capital into a lockdown on April 10 in a move aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus in the sultanate. The number of cases has since continued to rise with 1,508 cases as of Tuesday.

A 53-year-old resident died of coronavirus on Tuesday, raising the death toll in the sultanate to eight, according to the health ministry. The ministry also confirmed 98 new infections, bringing the total to 1,508, including 238 recoveries.

The country would be “extending the lockdown of Muscat governorate through its controls and checkpoints until 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2020,” announced the country’s committee.

The committee also added that no mass gatherings would be allowed for Ramadan, following similar announcements in neighboring Gulf states.

“The committee stresses the importance of avoiding all gatherings during the holy month of Ramadan,” said the committee in a statement.

“[The committee] affirms that the closure of mosques – even for Taraweeh prayers – will continue, except for the call to prayer (Adhan),” it added.

“Ramadan gatherings, such as iftar in mosques, tents or public majlises and social, cultural, sports and other group activities are strictly prohibited.” -- Al Arabiya English