Oman to keep land checkpoints closed till further notice

The Sultanate of Oman has decided to keep all land checkpoints closed till further notice.

This was decided at a meeting of the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic held on January 7under the chairmanship of HE Sayyid Hamoud Faisal al-Busaidi, Minister of Interior, member of the Supreme Committee.

The meeting discussed updates on the pandemic and ways of protection against Covid-19 virus and curb its spread.

The Committee studied the report of the technical team which pointed to a marked increase in the number of patients catching the disease, hospitalised or admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). “The increase is alarming,” said the Committee, which laid emphasis on the significance of protecting society and individuals against infection. The Committee, with a view to supporting the health system and helping it cope with the situation, decided to maintain the closure of land checkpoints for entry into the Sultanate till further notice.

The Committee also decided to allow entry via land borders for Omani citizens abroad wishing to come back home provided they abide by a seven-day institutional health quarantine, in addition to other measures imposed on incoming travellers.