What's the government response timeline for Oman?

From January 26th, following a Q&A on Coronavirus from the Ministry of Health, a general public awareness campaign exists- billboards, store entrances, pamphlets, etc. Country wide, targeted at everyone in population (general). https://archive.fo/Ck3k0

from interview with Minister of Health- no official statement released on this policy

All civilian bound flights to China suspended, and a 14 day quarantine enforced for those arriving from COVID-19 affected areas. https://www.moh.gov.om/documents/10194/3795097/statment+5.pdf/3798f1c2-6dcb-4e6b-5afa-6bd93703846e https://archive.fo/cbvIA

Schools and other educational institutions will suspend all classes for one month starting from this date. https://archive.fo/dxg5j

from interview with Minister of Health- no official statement released on this policy

Closure and suspension of all public places, shops, parks, barber/salons, non essential commercial stores, restaurants and cafes (with exception of takeaway service). Ban on Shisha/hooka at all outlets, suspend all forms of sport. https://archive.fo/eby4v

Public gatherings of all kinds are banned. http://archive.fo/wip/AueVn

At the end of March, the Omani Ministry of Health released a comprehensive guide on contact tracing practices. I can find no mention of contact tracing in news articles or gov releases prior to this. https://www.moh.gov.om/documents/10194/3903020/contact+tracing+covid+19+guideline+%283%29+final.pdf/456707ab-4dae-dc06-2837-ba5165b9ff0d.

avoid public place and places of worship, cinemas, avoid travel unless necessary http://archive.vn/7LMEu http://archive.vn/Mi6hU http://archive.vn/pNKUD avoid travel unless "aboslutely necssary" http://archive.vn/bDHCU

From March 18, it enforced an entry ban on all non-Omanis, including expatriates with residency visas. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-travel-restrictions-border-shutdowns-country-200318091505922.html

Oman’s Ministry of Transport has directed the suspension of all means of public transport, including buses, ferries, taxis, vans, and microbuses, with the exception of buses and ferries heading to the Governorate of Musandam, and the province of Masirah. https://archive.fo/wip/4Ac8K

Guidance to private sector to encourage employees to reduce movement outside of work and home. https://archive.fo/wip/UUU3Q

Supreme Committee bans all public gatherings, indoors or outside https://archive.vn/4ZLAE

Complete adherence to social distancing required: http://archive.vn/n9DLe All who are in quarantine, to isolate with a separate room and toilet http://archive.vn/rhCNj

Government services must reduce their staffing to only 30 percent of the total number of employees, according to ONA. All other employees will work remotely to combat the outbreak. https://archive.fo/qo9p9

from interview with Minister of Health- no official statement released on this policy

Same directives as earlier.

avoid public place and places of worship, cinemas, avoid travel unless necessary http://archive.vn/7LMEu http://archive.vn/Mi6hU http://archive.vn/pNKUD avoid travel unless "aboslutely necssary" http://archive.vn/bDHCU

According to Minister of Health, Dr, Ahmed Saeedi, this is also free of charge.

no change to policy

testing is free and available to all who have symptoms or have been in contact with confirmed or possible cases. mobile units and door to door testing in some areas. Confirmed by interview with Minister of Health.

Muscat district enters strict lockdown, everyone within and outside is asked to stay home to limit the spead of COVID-19 https://archive.vn/wip/eF6do

movement between Governorates is limited and restricted. https://archive.fo/wip/Pv1lT https://archive.fo/wip/lBhRi

The Governorate of Muscat goes into lockdown for any movement into or out of until April 22nd, 2020 http://archive.vn/c9kYG

15 April In Oman two crises are occurring; COVID 19 Outbreak, and dropping oil prices. Expatriates make up around 50% of the population of around 4 million people. “On 15th April 2020 the Supreme Committee for Covid-19 in the Sultanate of Oman issued a statement in relation to a comprehensive economic measures package designed to bolster the private sector firms and its Omani workers. Clauses include: Give paid leave with full salary to workers during the period of health isolation and Stay-at-Home period provided a “certificate on the end of quarantine period” be issued by the departments concerned. Non-termination of services of Omani manpower. Non-Omani manpower: Their respective employees’ annual leave may be advanced and paid in full if they operate in the sectors terminally shut down. Non-Omani manpower: Expatriate workers of affected private sector establishments and firms can be terminally repatriated to their respective countries, according to the package agreed by the Supreme Committee and establishments and firms of the private sector. Oman News Agency Source: http://archive.vn/eXq4q Law Website Source: https://www.cms-lawnow.com/ealerts/2020/04/oman-responds-to-covid19-with-economic-stimulus-package-to-bolster-the-private-sector Clyde and Co Company Source: http://archive.vn/hAlqs Time of Oman Media Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/3013838/oman/government/coronavirus-supreme-committee-issues-new-decisions NOTE ****Declared from April until June 30th 2020. I have coded as a 2, for replacing over 50% of lost salary, and 0 for private and formal sector workers as no mention is made for the public or informal sector here.****

15th April “On 15th April 2020 the Supreme Committee for Covid-19 in the Sultanate of Oman issued a statement in relation to a comprehensive economic measures package designed to bolster the private sector firms and its workers. Furthermore, payment of utilities’ bills (electricity, water and wastewater) will be postponed until the end of June 2020, and utility providers are being asked to offer the possibility of paying amounts owed through a series of instalments.”. Oman News Agency Source: http://archive.vn/eXq4q Law Website Source: https://www.cms-lawnow.com/ealerts/2020/04/oman-responds-to-covid19-with-economic-stimulus-package-to-bolster-the-private-sector Clyde and Co Company Source: http://archive.vn/hAlqs NOTE ****I have coded this until June 30th 2020, and coded as ‘1- narrow relief’ because it is directed to private sector workers therefore not comprehensive/broad across population ****

The Supreme Committee has confirmed that all mosques will be closed for the duration of Ramadan, and that all public gatherings (including Iftar in public spaces, Majilises, etc) are prohibited. https://archive.vn/wip/akVvF

Supreme Committee extends lockdown measures until May 8th 2020. https://archive.vn/wip/akVvF

A new technology is being deployed to help track and monitor COVID cases: called Tarassaud+ https://archive.vn/wip/dXiN4

Oman’s Health Ministry has begun laboratory testing of the coronavirus (COVID-19) for those residents who show symptoms of the disease. https://www.gulf-insider.com/oman-coronavirus-testing-begins-for-muscat-residents/

The Supreme Committee on Covid-19 held a meeting on Tuesday during which it decided to open some business activities. http://archive.fo/062W5

28 April “National Bank of Oman (NBO) is utilising its annual Ramadan community outreach programme, Shahr al Atta, to support those who have been impacted the most. The bank will donate money to families who have been financially affected due to the outbreak. This will assist them in paying rent, electricity and water bills in addition to purchasing essential household goods.” No specific amount announced. Not recorded as “broad” here as this is from the National Bank, not a government measure. Source: https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/national-bank-oman-ramps-covid-19-relief-through-annual-ramadan-initiative-1353529

Schools remain closed across Oman

The ban on gatherings enforced prior to Ramadam remains in force for all of Oman http://archive.fo/gXtb0

Internal movement restrictions are being relaxed, but Muscat province and certain districts within it remain in lockdown with NO movement in or out. Stay at home remains for these regions http://archive.fo/gXtb0

Some of the internal movement checkpoints are being relaxed, but Muscat province remains under lockdown http://archive.fo/gXtb0

Contact Tracing in the Sultanate remains as extensive as possible. When able to, authorities trace all contacts for each individual positive test. When necessary, larger contact tracing is required if positive cases had been in contact with larger crowds, such as an incident in March. http://archive.fo/wip/ZwBwI

Minstry of Education announces that the school year will end prematurely on May7th. Plans for exams, grades etc to be announced later http://archive.fo/wip/wOO1t

Lockdown of Muscat District extended until May 29 2020. http://archive.fo/wip/eCBuB

All Eid al Fitr gatherings banned. /web/20200522123613/ https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/covid-19-omans-tally-rises-to-6794-with-424-fresh-cases-1.71635704

As some businesses reopen, the government imposes fines on those who fail to wear a facemask in public and refuse to take a test when asked to do so. https://www.alkhaleejtoday.co/international/100410/Oman-introduces-penalties-for-coronavirus-lockdown-violations.html

Public transport has been closed since 19th March http://archive.vn/g0kgP While the Muscat lockdown was lifted on May 29, Muttrah area continued to remain under lockdown. However Muscat public transport remained closed and taxis were still banned from operating too https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/447353-oman-to-end-covid-19-lockdown-on-muscat-as-restrictions-ease http://radiomerge.fm/merge/news/covid-19-live-muttrah-lockdown-to-be-lifted-saturday-says-health-minister Dhofar put into lockdown on 13 June, remains until 3rd July. Over the same period, Duqm province in al-Wusta governorate, Masirah Island just off Oman's Arabian Sea coast, and touristic hotspots Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams in Ad Dakhiliyah governorate will also be put under lockdown. http://archive.vn/rgcR4

Ministry of Health continues to recommend staying at home: https://twitter.com/OmaniMOH/status/1268110073383002112

Dhofar governorate was put under lockdown on 13 June, and will remain so until at least 3 July, according to the Royal Oman Police. During the lockdown nobody will be allowed to enter or exit the area. http://archive.vn/rgcR4

Dhofar governorate was put under lockdown on 13 June, and will remain so until at least 3 July, according to the Royal Oman Police. During the lockdown nobody will be allowed to enter or exit the area. Over the same period, Duqm province in al-Wusta governorate, Masirah Island just off Oman's Arabian Sea coast, and touristic hotspots Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams in Ad Dakhiliyah governorate will also be put under lockdown. https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2114283-oman-announces-new-covid19-measures-as-cases-spike

Oman is reopening malls, some businesses and industrial activities from Wednesday (24th June) as the country eases coronavirus restrictions. Businesses covered by the decision include real estate offices, travel agencies, maintenance businesses and dry cleaners. Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained by customers, the agency said. https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/oman-emerges-from-coronavirus-lockdown-1.1038411 https://archive.vn/nDPzF

Many businesses remain closed, or with strict regulations around capacity and safety measures. Face masks must be worn in public spaces. The government staff is operating at 50% staffing. http://archive.vn/wip/YExu6 http://archive.vn/iDlY0

social, sports cultural and recreational activities remain banned in the sultanate.

public gatherings remain banned in the Sultanate.

Various lockdowns of regions and Wilayah across the Sultanate mean that movement between the regions remains limited.

The Oman border remains closed although discussion about a GCC travel agreement have been happening. http://archive.vn/wip/8mDAW

Contact Tracing in the Sultanate remains as extensive as possible. When able to, authorities trace all contacts for each individual positive test. A new app used to help contact tracing, Tarrasaud, http://archive.vn/wip/JpIbJ

2nd July The Oman Supreme Committee on Covid 19 launches the Emergency loan repayment program, beginning with the following categories: full time taxi owners and driving trainers, women businesses, SMEs, micro-projects. Loan repayment period is 4 years with a 6 month grace period. Applications can begin on July 5th. Oman To Recovery Twitter: http://archive.vn/8mY8N

The plan to reopen with face masks is planned for mid-July, with fines announced to commence on 15th July http://archive.vn/f4nAF

Forty-two industrial estates have been shut down in Oman due to failure to comply with precautions against the spread of the new coronavirus, according to an environmental health official. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/oman-closes-42-industrial-estates-over-covid-19-violations-1.1594558498977

The Dhofar governorate as well as Masirah are to remain closed until further notice, the Supreme Committee dealing with Covid-19 has announced on Tuesday. https://gulfbusiness.com/omans-dhofar-masirah-remain-closed-due-covid-19/

The Dhofar governorate as well as Masirah are to remain closed until further notice, the Supreme Committee dealing with Covid-19 has announced on Tuesday. https://gulfbusiness.com/omans-dhofar-masirah-remain-closed-due-covid-19/

Oman will begin allowing its citizens and residents to fly outside of the country as long as they quarantine upon their return, the Health Ministry said Tuesday. Oman is also returning ex-pats to their home countries in 17 repatriation flights this week to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Germany and Greece, according to the Times of Oman newspaper. With the exception of repatriation flights, all international flights out of Oman were halted on March 29. https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/07/oman-flights-abroad-coronavirus-airline-covid-international.html

On 22nd July 2020, the Ministry of Health decided to fix the cost of COVID-19 tests provided by private health providers. https://muscatdaily.com/Oman

On 23 July 2020 for governorates under lockdown, factories will be allowed to operate during the day and those wanting to operate 24 hours a day should obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/covid-19-oman-reimposes-lockdown-as-number-of-new-cases-rise-1.1595507622458

From 23 July 2020, Oman will reinstate lockdown in a number of governorates due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases, however, trucks carrying food and cooking gas will be allowed to cross into governorates through checkpoints and only between the hours of 7pm and 6am. Any violation of these movement rules (including any use of transport including walking in and out of governorates) will result in a RO100 fine. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/covid-19-oman-reimposes-lockdown-as-number-of-new-cases-rise-1.1595507622458

From 25th July 2020 to 8th August 2020 during curfew hours (7pm-6am), shops and public spaces will be closed. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1707866/middle-east

From 25 July 2020 till 8 August 2020, Oman will implement a daily curfew between the hours of 7pm to 6pm. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1707866/middle-east

From 25th July 2020 till 8th August 2020, Oman is to go into complete lockdown and movement between all governorates will be banned in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during Eid (which falls within the period). Any movement or use of transport between governorates will incur a RO100 fine (unless for a hospital appointment which will require proof). https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/oman-violators-of-movement-ban-to-be-fined-ro100-1.72776407

From 27th July 2020 and as part of the recent guidelines on special transfer flights to and out of Oman in July and August: Omani residents flying into Oman will be able to go into domestic 14-day quarantine, while Non-Omanis flying into the country will need to go into institutional 14-day quarantine. Non-Omani's will only be allowed to enter Oman with a special permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as announced by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/legal/story/Omans_PACA_issue_guidelines_for_special_flights_to_continue_until_Augustend-SNG_180618402/

No updates https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No updates https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No change https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Policy seems to remain in place https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Policy seems to remain in place https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

As of 8th August 2020, Oman has lifted national lockdown, except for the governorate of Dhofar. night restrictions will remain for about one week, starting Aug. 8, with unnecessary travel not allowed from 9p.m. until 5a.m. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1716306/middle-east

As of 8th August 2020, interstate travel will be permitted, except for to and from the governorate of Dhofar which remains under lockdown until further notice. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1716306/middle-east

From 15th August 2020, Oman ends nationwide night-time curfew, with the exception of Dhofar which remains under lockdown. https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2132813-oman-ends-nationwide-nighttime-curfew

From 15th August 2020, Oman ends nationwide night-time curfew, with the exception of Dhofar which remains under lockdown. https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2132813-oman-ends-nationwide-nighttime-curfew

As of 18th August 2020, Oman's Supreme Committee announced today the fifth batch of businesses are allowed to open now, while adhering to the COVID-19 precautions. Muttrah souq, a bustling market place for traditional and modern wares that had been closed for some time, will now be open. Other businesses that will be open are restaurants, gyms and swimming pools inside hotel establishments, fish markets across all governorates, commercial activities that are run inside traditional markets, newspaper and magazine printing, special training activities approved by the Ministry of Manpower, playgrounds for the purpose of training national teams for regional and international events to be used by the national football team, national junior team, Oman national futsal team, Dhofar sports club, tennis playground for the general category, sale of phone sim cards, car wash centres, sale of tobacco and its products, tents’ sale and tailoring shops. Even though the international and tourists restaurants are allowed to open, sale of shisha and alcoholic drinks are not allowed to be served. The food courts at shopping malls will also remain closed. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/omans-muttrah-souq-newspaper-print-editions-to-open-from-tuesday-1.1597678533221