Muscat: The latest surge in daily Covid-19 cases has raised concerns that stricter restrictions will be imposed in the Sultanate of Oman and its neighbours, including on travel.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported 252 new cases and no deaths. The number of inpatients went up by six to 19, including five in Intensive Care Units.
With several countries imposing lockdowns and travel curbs, the Observer has been getting queries on the same.
“As the number of Indian states have imposed curfews and travel restrictions due to a rise in the number of cases, I would want to know whether there will be any restrictions on travel to the Gulf,” John Thomas, one of the several residents, stated to return to the Sultanate of Oman next week, asked.
With the authorities restricting the capacity on visitors to 50 per cent in commercial establishments, including restaurants and malls, both citizens and residents have been inquiring about the possibility of stricter restrictions in the coming days.
The UAE reported 2,708 new cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 774,897. New cases in Saudi Arabia touched the 3,000-mark on Wednesday with 3,054 new infections, while three died due to complications.
Meanwhile, Kuwait reported 1,482 new cases, Bahrain 880 and Qatar 1,068 on Tuesday.
According to health experts, more recent cases were among the unvaccinated, including children and people who received two doses more than six months ago.
The Directorate-General of Health Services in Muscat resumed the vaccination campaign for booster doses on Wednesday, as they were suspended due to heavy rains that lashed the city.
The MoH sources confirmed that a prior appointment is necessary while visiting the vaccination centres.
