Oman:
Ministry of Health announced in a statement that the virus has reached
Oman on 24 February 2020
after the returning of two of the citizens from Iran with tested
positive for COVID-19. In
later days the number of confirmed cases with SARS-COVID 19 in the Gulf
countries has increased significantly, this caused the sultanate of Oman
announced some measures to fight the SARS-COVID19, these measures
include reducing the number of employees in the workplace, preventing
crowds in a public area and taking appropriate action against which one
break the rules, they closed all exchange places, the broadcast places
notably the offices and shopping where printed newspapers and magazines
are published and every the same publications. They decided to close any
places like shopping malls and supermarkets if they didn’t install
sanitizers as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus. A
committee was formed for dealing and responding to the developments
resulting from the outbreak. On 12 March, the committee decided that
tourist visas will not be issued to citizens of all countries and also
stopped entry visitors. All sports events were canceled, court
attendance limited to essential personnel, and the sale of
shisha
prohibited in restaurants and cafes. These measures were implemented on
March 15 for 30 days. On 14 March, the committee decided to suspend all
classes in schools, universities, and other educational institutions
from 15 March for 30 days. This decision was revised in early April by
the Supreme Committee and a decision was taken for the suspension to
remain until further notice. Another meeting held on the next day
pronounced new restrictions which included stopping the entry of
foreigners apart
from GCC
citizens and foreign residents via all land and sea borders,
quarantining all arrivals and the closures of public parks and gardens.
It was also declared
that Friday
prayers are to be stopped and social gatherings like weddings are
banned. The decisions went into effect on 17 March. Multiple museums
around the country were also closed on the day indefinitely.
All places such as mosques were closed. All crowding, events, and
festivals were suspended. The government banned public gatherings at all
tourism sites as well as the closure of cinemas, gyms, sports clubs,
barber shops, and all shops in shopping malls apart from foodstuff and
medical outlets. On 21 March, legal action including detainment was
taken against individuals spreading false information regarding the
pandemic. Starting from 23 March, the Royal Oman Police stopped all
customer services related to civil status, traffic, passports, and
residency until further notice.