The Supreme Committee tasked with dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will not be shutting the airport for travel or stop flights from any destination currently, said H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi, the Minister of Health in Oman.

Speaking at a press conference he addressed today [November 15], the Minister reassured the public that the COVID-19 situation in Oman was still under control and that they were keeping a close eye on the spread of the disease outside the country.

This news comes on the heels of Qatar adding six countries to their red list for travel, which includes both United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

The Minister reiterated: “The Supreme Committee is following up [on] the situation at national, regional and international levels, and there is a concern of another wave, as what has happened in some countries around the world.

“All indications show that the Coronavirus is here to stay – and many viruses started off as a pandemic and then settled.”

He then shed light on complacency in government and private institutions to not measure temperatures and screen visitors for two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Adding to that, he said: “There is a decision that was issued on May 16 that is still valid. It warns against holding gatherings of any kind and not participating in weddings and funerals.”

“The current situation in the Sultanate of Oman is comfortable and reassuring, but the pandemic is still ongoing, and the virus has not disappeared worldwide, and there are new mutations, especially in European countries,” he added.