Sunday 24 / November / 2024
Muscat: People in Oman have much to look forward to this September, when a number of COVID-19 related restrictions are eased.
From 1 September, expats stranded in their home countries can fly back to Oman, public sector offices will operate at 100 percent physical presence, students will return to classrooms in schools and universities, new visas will be issued, and the country’s land borders will reopen.
A decision on resuming cultural and social activities is also being studied.
Members of the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19 said on Thursday that decisions regarding the relaxation of infection prevention protocols will be taken gradually, with people’s safety of utmost importance during the pandemic.
“Extensive studies are carried out by technicians from various sectors, with no tendency to favour one side over any other,” said Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, the Minister of Health. “The Supreme Committee always places the interests of both its citizens and residents in sight.
“The success to fight this pandemic depends on adhering to the precautions and getting vaccinated,” added the minister, urging parents to also get their children inoculated against COVID-19.
Although government offices will operate at 100 percent physical capacity from September onwards, entry will only be allowed to vaccinated employees.
Similarly, residency permits for expatriates will only be renewed for those who have been provided at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“By the end of September, we hope that all citizens receive two doses of the vaccine,” said Al Saidi.
“Unfortunately, there are employees in the public sector who have not registered for the second dose. I therefore urge them all to register themselves and get vaccinated.”
Measures have also been drawn up by the Civil Aviation Authority ahead of the expected arrival of thousands of expatriates who travelled home during the pandemic, but have so far been unable to return to Oman because of measures adopted to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“We aim to ensure a gradual and safe return of regular flights to Oman,” said Naif bin Ali Al Abri, the CAA chairman, explaining the two-phase approach to aircraft operations that the organisation has taken during the pandemic.
Phase one looked to develop and implement operational plans meeting aviation safety requirements, support local and global efforts to transport medical supplies, goods, and passengers, while maintaining an orderly flow of passengers within the country, and adapt service providers’ recovery plans, as well as the rules and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The second phase aims to minimise the financial and operational impact COVID-19 has had on airlines. It involves adapting aviation health safety protocols in keeping with ICAO protocols, and creating an environment that helps in the return of air traffic and passengers to Oman.
Phase two also includes stronger control over compliance with health and safety protocols at Oman’s airports, under an existing safety framework between the CAA, Royal Oman Police, and Ministry of Health.
“Oman will open its land borders from September 1, while adhering to the controls imposed by the Supreme Committee, including testing before arrival into the country” said Dr Saif bin Salim Al Abri, the Director General of Disease Surveillance and Control at the Ministry of Health.
Dr Mohammed bin Said Al Mamari, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious affairs, said regarding the use of mosques: “The ministry followed a gradual approach to return to normal lives in mosques.”
