Hospital beds under stress as COVID-19 cases surge in Oman
By: Times News Service
As much as 96 per cent of all intensive care beds are now occupied by COVID patients.
Muscat: With a rising number of hospitalisations and ICU admissions due to the COVID-19, just 14 beds are available in intensive care units (ICUs) across the country.
As 751 patients were taken to hospitals, the number of admissions in the ICUs rose to 234. The highest figure during the pandemic so far was reached on 11 April, 2021. 96 per cent of all beds in intensive care are now occupied by COVID patients.
The total number of cases in the country stands at 173,029, inclusive of 153,986 recoveries and 1,789 deaths.
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Essential foodstuffs in Oman to attract zero per cent VAT
By: Times News Service
Generous exemption basket to help support decent standard of living in Oman.
Muscat: Items such as vegetables, food grains, fruits, poultry, and dairy will be subject to zero percent Value Added Tax (VAT) once it comes into effect on 16 April.
Some 488 essential items have been listed by the Ministry of Finance as those which will not be taxed under VAT.
They include garlic, potatoes (fresh and frozen), carrots, dates, avocados, mangoes, oranges, lemons, grapes, pineapple, varieties of fish, wheat, and rice.
Also on the list are mineral water, sugar, salt, meats, poultry, dairy products, fresh eggs, vegetables, fruits, coffee beans, tea, cardamom, grains, olive oil, baby food products, and bread. Other items included on the list are medicines and medical equipment and life-saving drugs.