Oman postpones beginning of school year to November 1

Muscat: Oman has decided to postpone the beginning of the academic year for all students to November 1 due to the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus.

The statement on Thursday was made by the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 pandemic, after its meeting with the Ministry of Education, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The postponement guarantees students no less than 180 actual academic days," the statement said.

The Omani Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country reached 82,531.

The Ministry said in a statement that the number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 rose to 77,278, while the death toll stood at 551.