Oman extends entry ban from India indefinitely as COVID cases spike

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has extended the suspension of flights from India and 14 other countries until further notice in the wake of the rampant rise in Covid-19 cases and will take effect from Saturday (June 5), local media reported.

Initially imposed for a month, the entry ban now includes travellers from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam along with India, Pakistan, Sudan, Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh and the Philippines. All passengers who have stayed or transited through the aforementioned countries 14 days prior to entry will be denied travel access into the Sultanate.

However, the Sultanate has permitted Omani residents and nationals to travel across its land borders with neighbouring GCC countries daily for work, given that present proof of employment at the border checkpoints.

On Wednesday, the state-run Oman News Agency (ONA) cited the Supreme Committee's decision to relax coronavirus restrictions including the resumption of all commercial activities at a 50 per cent operational capacity. Social events such as exhibitions, weddings will be allowed at a 30 per cent capacity while mosques can reopen for the five daily prayers with a maximum of 100 people.

Children are now allowed to the premises of malls and other shopping complexes. Public spots such as beaches, parks and public gardens have also resumed while gyms and fitness clubs can open at 50 per cent capacity.

As of Wednesday, the GCC state has reported 218,271 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 2,356 deaths, according to WHO's stats.