Amid the coronavirus scare, countries across the world are doing all that it takes to protect the spread. In line with the same, Oman is closing its borders and suspending all public transportation from today (Thursday). The county’s supreme committee made an official statement yesterday.
What’s It?
“As of tomorrow, only Omanis will be allowed to enter the country, and no Omanis will be allowed to travel abroad,” WAF News tweeted. Further, markets, malls, restaurants, tourist attractions, mosques, sports centres and cultural clubs were also closed down with immediate effect. Conferences and other gatherings will also be suspended.Grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics and optical shops will remain open.
On the travel front, Oman Air has witnessed more-than 60 per cent decline in passengers since the beginning of this month. The carrier has also asked about 40 per cent of its staff to stay at home and take their annual leave. So far, Oman has reported 33 cases on coronavirus, with 12 people on the road to recovery. The country confirmed the first two cases on February 24.
What Else?
Meanwhile, the UAE has suspended the entry of all residency visa holders, currently out of the country. The ban is put in place for a period of two weeks, effective today- Thursday, March 19. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has advised those with valid UAE visas to follow the below procedures:
-Those in their country of origin can contact the UAE diplomatic missions for more details on returning to the UAE
-Those in other countries for business purpose should contact their employers here as well as Emirati diplomatic missions in their host countries
-Those on vacation should contact the UAE diplomatic mission in the respective countries for more information on heading back to the UAE
Also Read: India Announces 14 Day Quarantine For Passengers Flying From UAE & Other GCC Countries
How To Get In Touch
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has advised families to get in touch through the following contact numbers:
- Phone: 02 3128867 or 02 3128865
- Mobile: 0501066099
- Email: operation@ica.gov.ae
- Fax: 025543883
Also Read: 5 Takeaways From HH Sheikh Mohamed’s Speech On Coronavirus In The UAE
The UAE has also temporarily suspended visa on arrival, effective from 1am today. According to the statement, ‘the decision will apply to holders of exempted passports until a medical clearance process is activated at the departure country as part of global precautionary measures being undertaken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”