Oman: Sweeping relaxation of internal Covid-19 restrictions; entry ban extended for UK, India, Pakistan

Oman on Wednesday confirmed that it would lift several of the Covid-19-related restrictions that were in place across the sultanate.

The country’s Supreme Committee tasked with managing the Covid-19 pandemic said that, effective immediately, mosques whose capacity is less than 100 people will be allowed to reopen, but only to perform the five daily prayers.

It also decided to end the ban that was in effect from 8pm to 4am on commercial activities in all governorates of the sultanate. It said that reopening of business outlets should be made while ensuring the number of shoppers at commercial outlets, restaurants and cafeterias is restricted to 50 per cent of its capacity. Children below 12 years old are also now permitted to enter these outlets.

The committee said in a statement via state-run Oman News Agency, that the decisions related to resuming commercial activities were aimed at alleviating the impact of the pandemic on the private sector and meant to stimulate different business activities, without hampering any measures to protect individuals against Covid-19.

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— وكالة الأنباء العمانية (@OmanNewsAgency) June 2, 2021

The committee further granted permission to open exhibition and wedding halls, provided attendance at these events does not exceed 30 per cent of the venue’s capacity, with a maximum of 300 people permitted in the case of large halls.

It also permitted visits by the public to beaches and parks. However, it has still banned gatherings of any kind at these locations.

Sports activities can resume in open spaces. Permission has also been granted to reopen sports halls, but with attendance restricted to 50 per cent of the facility’s capacity. Swimming pools and sports halls within hotels will be allowed to admit residents of the hotels and members of these facilities.

The committee said that it would continue to monitor the situation and review its decisions in accordance with epidemiological developments. Accordingly, it warned that it would take appropriate action when it deemed necessary, including the re-closure of activities or imposing a ban on movement, if necessary.

Oman Entry Ban
Oman’s land borders will be reopened, and Omanis and GCC citizens who are residing in the sultanate will be permitted to move across land borders between Oman and other GCC states to perform their daily tasks. They will be required to show proof of the assignments entrusted to them by their respective places of work.

The committee also decided to extend its entry ban indefinitely for travelers arriving from Sudan, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, the UK, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Philippines.

Starting from 2pm, Saturday, June 5, the entry ban will also be applicable to travellers from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Entry is banned for anyone travelling directly from these countries, and even those who have visited any of them within a period of 14 days prior to entering the sultanate. The committee advised Omani citizens not to visit these countries.