The Sultanate of Oman has suspended entry for travelers from ten countries including Lebanon for a period of 15 days starting next Thursday.
The National News Agency reported that the Supreme Committee tasked with discussing mechanisms to address the developments resulting from the spread of the "COVID-19" virus in Oman has decided to suspend entry for travelers from the following ten countries: Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia. Furthermore, travelers from any other countries who have passed through any of these ten countries during the 14 days prior to their request for entry into Oman will also be affected. This suspension will take effect from midnight on the upcoming Thursday and will last for 15 days.
The committee clarified that exceptions will be made for Omani citizens, diplomats, healthcare workers, and their families, who will be subject to the approved procedures upon entering the Sultanate. The Supreme Committee urged citizens and residents to "avoid travel during the upcoming period, except for extreme necessity."
The committee noted its review of the global epidemic situation and its impact on health systems in various countries, particularly with the spread of mutated strains linked to travel, and the risk of these strains spreading in Oman and increasing pressure on its healthcare institutions, according to local reports on the required polymerase chain reaction tests for those arriving in Oman. This decision comes as a result of the committee's continuous monitoring of the pandemic developments and preventive measures under the leadership of Hamoud bin Faisal Al-Busaidi, the Minister of Interior.
