Oman land border closure extended by a week on COVID-19 concerns

Dubai: Oman will extend the close of its land borders for another week until Feb. 1, to curb the spread of the coronavirus, state news agency ONA said on Sunday, citing a decision by the Gulf state's coronavirus emergency committee.

The borders were closed last week because of concerns about a new coronavirus variant, although it did not specify which one, as well as due to lax adherence inside the sultanate to wearing face masks and avoiding large social gatherings.

Last week Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority announced through a circular that there is no longer the option for passengers travelling to Oman to stay in the country for a period less than eight days.