Oman announces one week border closure

Muscat: The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic held a meeting on Monday under the chairmanship of Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior.

The Committee studied announcements made by authorities in different countries around the world about the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant and measures undertaken to protect individuals and societies from the fierce virus attack and fast propagation.

The Supreme Committee decided to prohibit entry to and exit from the Sultanate via all travel outlets with effect from 1 am Tuesday, 22 December 2020, for a period of one week. The decision exempts cargo aircraft, ships and trucks. The Committee will continue monitoring the epidemiological situation of the new COVID-19 virus strain and will take appropriate decisions accordingly.

Such decisions come as part of the ongoing convening of the Supreme Committee and they stem from the panel’s role in protecting individuals and society from the spread of the virus. The Committee prayed to the Almighty Allah to protect all people against all harms.

Domestic flights to continue
Meanwhile, Oman Air has said that its domestic and cargo will continue during the closure. 

“In line with the directives of Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority, Oman Air will suspend all international passenger flights to and from Muscat starting from Tuesday, 22 December 2020, for a period of one week,” said the airline in a statement.

“Domestic and cargo flights will continue operating as per the schedule,” added Oman Air.

For rebookings, guests holding Oman Air reservations can contact our call centre at +968 2453-1111, or Oman Air representatives in the respective countries.

“For further updates on our flight operations and services, please refer to our website and official media channels,” said the national carrier. “We appreciate your patience and understanding with this matter.”

Bus service to airport suspended
City and intercity transport service provider Mwasalat announced the suspension of Route A1 (Ruwi - Muscat International Airport - Al Maabela) from Tuesday for a period of one week.

A statement issued online by Mwasalat said, “Based on the instructions issued by the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19, Mwasalat would like to inform all users of the buses service operating via Senyar that it will suspend the A1 route (Ruwi, Muscat International Airport and Al Maabela) starting on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, for a period of one week.”

“Mwasalat affirms its utmost keenness to adhere to preventive measures when using its services to ensure the safety of all users of public transport services, both land and sea,” it added.