Oman: Authorities to allow resumption of international passenger flights October 1 /update 23

Event

Omani authorities are to permit the resumption of international passenger flights from October 1. All flights will be subject to governmental approval. Until October 1, all commercial domestic and international passenger flights remain suspended due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with the general exception of flights between Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Khasab Airport (KHS) in Musandam Governorate. The measure does not apply to cargo flights. Anyone entering Oman must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

Omani authorities began lifting restrictions on movement on August 8, with the exception of Dhofar province, where restrictions remain in place until further notice. Businesses have gradually been able to resume operations, under strict health protocols. Despite the easing of restrictions, various measures remain in place. Public gatherings remain banned and educational and religious institutions remain closed until further notice. The use of protective face coverings in public spaces and transportation remains mandatory.  

As of Monday, September 7, there have been 87,328 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oman and 734 associated fatalities. Further international 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.