More than 600 citizens returned from Iran

Muscat: Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has confirmed that more than 600 citizens have returned from Iran, and that the government is trying to bring back the rest of the Omani nationals in Iran by tomorrow, with the Sultanate evacuating its citizens to prevent them from possibly being infected by COVID-19.
A MoFA statement said, “Statistics confirm that those who have returned from Iran since February 25 number more than 600 citizens, and the efforts are continuing to return the rest. There will be flights of Iran’s Taban Airlines to return the rest on from Shiraz on Sunday and Tuesday, and on Monday from Mashhad.”
Omani citizens as well as foreign nationals who have returned to the Sultanate from Iran have been asked by the Ministry of Health to stay home to avoid the possible spread of infection, to see if there are any symptoms that relate to COVID-19, so that they can be treated before they worsen.
“A statement issued online by the Ministry of Health said “The Ministry of Health invites all travellers coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran after the date of February 9, 2020 to commit to staying within their homes.”
The Ministry asked all concerned to contact the Ministry of Health contact centre at 24441999 or the nearest health institution in order to guide them on the procedures necessary for quarantine.
“And in the event of symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat, it is necessary to contact the call centre or the nearest health institution in order to help obtain the necessary medical care,” the statement added.
The Ministry also advised people to put on a face mask when going to the health institution, to avoid public transportation and to be careful and adhere to the preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, schools in Oman will not be closed to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 infection, as the situation is not serious enough. Decisions on school closure will be taken by the Ministry of Education, after consulting with the Ministry of Health.
“We are in constant contact with the Ministry of Health. All schools in Oman are working normally and there is no reason why we should close schools,” said Dr Saif Al Ma’amari, Acting Undersecretary of Education for Educational Planning and Human Resources Development and Chairman of the Crisis Management Committee at the Ministry of Education.
“Dr Saif also refuted social media rumours that included pictures and voice messages suggesting that a number of students and teachers in some schools in the country may have been infected with the virus.
“We can confirm that there is no truth to what is being circulated in social media. It is very unfortunate that parents and our children in schools are intimidated,” Dr Saif told the Times of Oman. “These rumours will affect the course of the educational process in the Sultanate and affect the wellbeing of the Omani society in general and students in particular.”