Oman: Government to suspend international and domestic flights from March 29 /update 5

Event

Omani authorities announced on Tuesday, March 24, that all international and domestic flight operations will be suspended to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The measure will come into effect on Sunday, March 29. Cargo flights will be exempt, as will flights to Musandam province.

Other containment measures remain in effect as of Tuesday. All border crossing points via land, sea, and air remain closed to all individuals except citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. All individuals entering Oman will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Authorities have also banned public gatherings, including closing parks and suspending Friday prayers and weddings. 

To date, there have been over 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected.

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.