Oman: Omani health minister urges stricter implementation of COVID-19 related restrictions July 2 /update 16

Event

Omani health minister Ahmed Al-Saidi announced on Thursday, July 2, that the stricter implementation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures need to be applied in the country in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Al-Saidi further announced in a press conference, organized by the Supreme Committee, that during the first four months of the virus's presence in the country 7700 COVID-19 cases had been confirmed, however, during the month of June over 27,000 new cases had been confirmed in the country.

Additionally, Minister of Transport Ahmad Al-Futaisi announced that land and air borders would remain closed and Omani residents would not be permitted to go outside the Sultanate. Anyone who enters Sultanate will be subject to quarantine for a 14-day period.

As of Saturday, July 4, health authorities have confirmed 45,106 COVID-19 cases with 203 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.