RIYADH: Travelers arriving in Oman will be allowed to book any hotel for their seven-day compulsory quarantine, local daily Times of Oman reported on Saturday.  

“Following the decision of the Supreme Committee to impose compulsory institutional quarantine for all arrivals to Oman at their own expense, we wish to note that arrivals can book any hotel, or benefit from the list of hotels updated by the Centre of Relief and Shelter Operations with coordination with components authorities,” Government Communicate Center said. 

Oman’s Ministry of Social Development announced on Thursday all inbound passengers would be required to quarantine in hotels for at least seven days in an aim to stop the spread of coronavirus.

This latest measure follows a recent increase of COVID-19 regulations in the country including the extension of the border closure. Public places will also be closed for two weeks. The number of people allowed in private and public sector buildings has also been reduced. 

The new stricter regulations have been taken in attempts to curb the emergence of the new mutated virus first discovered in the UK and detected in a British citizen who landed in Oman in January.

The latest institutional quarantine procedures have been implemented in all Oman Airports from last Thursday and inbound passengers will be expected to book hotels once they land.

Citizens wishing to return home, however, should do so before 10 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2021 as “no individuals will be allowed to enter the Sultanate until the closure of land borders is lifted,” the health ministry said.