MUSCAT — Omani Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic decided during a meeting Sunday to lift the travel ban, both inbound and outbound, from Oman.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister of Interior Hamoud Bin Faisal Al-Busaidi annulled the decision to ban entry to and exit from Oman through various land, air and sea outlets starting from 12 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020.

The committee studied developments of new COVID-19 variants emerged in many countries. As per report and recommendations of the specialized technical team, the committee decided to annul the decision to ban entry to and exit from the Sultanate from Dec. 29.

In a bid to protect all members of the society against the various COVID-19 variants, the committee has taken the following decisions:

• Obtaining a PCR test, compulsory, before coming to Oman from all countries of the world without exception.

• Imposing quarantine again for those arriving on short visits to Oman for less than seven days.

• Registering in (Tarrasud) application prior to arrival in Oman.

• Obtaining a health insurance that covers costs of COVID-19 treatment. Omanis, GCC citizens and those who have free health cards are exempted.

The Supreme Committee urges citizens and residents to avoid travel abroad during the coming period unless there is extreme necessity. — SPA