Oman: Authorities close all borders for one week from Dec. 22 due to new COVID-19 strain /update 33

Event

Omani authorities announced that the country will ban entry and exit via its land, air, and sea borders beginning 0100 Dec. 22 due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The measures will remain in effect for at least one week, Dec. 29. The closure does not apply to cargo operations. It remains unclear what other exemptions if any, the government will allow.

Omani authorities previously exempted tourists from the mandatory quarantine and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing prior to arriving in the country. Tourists will undergo a PCR test upon arrival only. Oman has begun reissuing tourist visas to people visiting on trips arranged by hotels or travel agencies; the period of stay in Oman must be less than two weeks. Tourists should isolate themselves in their rooms prior to receipt of a negative PCR test and should only participate in tourist activities organized through a tourism company. All foreigners are required to have international health insurance that covers COVID-19 expenses for the duration of their stay.

Before entering Oman, all arrivals must register for a PCR test at the airport and download the "Tarassud+" mobile application. International arrivals entering through land border crossings are required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival due to the lack of testing facilities at land crossings.

Other COVID-19 measures in effect and recent changes are included below:

• Restrictions on several commercial and industrial activities were lifted Dec. 1.

• Omani nationals no longer require prior approval to enter the UAE via land border crossings.

• The use of protective facemasks in public spaces and transportation remains mandatory.

• Companies are allowed to operate at 50-percent workforce capacity, provided they can comply with social distancing and other safety guidelines.

• In exceptional circumstances, residents may enter the Sultanate via the land border with the UAE but must have prior permission from Omani authorities and meet UAE COVID-19 testing exit criteria.

• Domestic public transportation has resumed.

Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or further ease restrictions depending on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Oman's travel restrictions and preventive measures are similar to actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Information
SalamAir
Tarassud+ App