Coronavirus: Oman will shut all borders to contain spread of new mutant strain

Oman will close its borders and is prohibiting travel in and out of the country for a week to limit the spread of the fast-spreading Covid-19 mutant strain.

The decision, made by the country's supreme committee on coronavirus, is among new measures to limit the spread of the new strain detected in the UK.

“This was taken after the emergence of a new strain of the Covid-19 virus and to protect community members from the severity of the infection and to contain its spreading,” the state news agency said.

The decision includes the cancellation of all international flights and stopping entry into the country through its land and sea ports.

The measures will be implemented from Tuesday, December 22, and will last a week.

Cargo planes, ships and lorries will be excluded. The committee will continue to monitor the situation of the new strain and take appropriate decisions accordingly, the agency said.

Omani citizens welcomed the news but expressed concerns that the measures won't be enough to halt the spread of the virus.

“It is winter time and many tourists are expected to come, especially after the government has decided to exempt them from visas. The government should at least close off the country for a month and then check the new virus strain situation,” Ahmed Al Maimani, 68, a retired civil servant in Muscat, said.

Oman earlier this month announced that tourists from 103 countries are exempted from visas as part of its effort to give the local economy a boost.

Oman’s Ministry of Health on Monday reported 264 new infection cases bringing the total of people infected to 127,931 while 119,745 have recovered.

Only one Covid-19 death had been reported on Monday and the total number of people who died from the pandemic has now reached 1,489.

The ministry of health also reported 95 people are in hospital being treated for the virus, including 40 in intensive care.

Oman’s state television said the sultanate will receive the first batch of vaccines manufactured by Pfizer on Wednesday.

Dr Badr Al Rawahi, Director of Infectious Diseases Control at the Ministry of Health told state television that the vaccines will be given to people in two doses, separated by 21 days.

“We will start the vaccinations in different phases. First, the front line workers, second people with underlying medical issues, third the elderly over the age of 65 then the rest,” Dr Al Rawahi said, adding that inoculations will start by the end of this month.

Saudi Arabia also halted international flights and closed the country's borders for a week over fears about the spread of the new strain.

State-run Saudi Press Agency said the kingdom may extend the measure for another week depending on the nature of the virus spread.

The kingdom said it would suspend international Umrah, which is a short pilgrimage that can be performed by Muslims any time during the year.

Millions of people come to the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia each year to perform Umrah. But because of the coronavirus outbreak, the kingdom suspended the ritual in March and significantly downsized its Hajj pilgrimage.