Oman’s central bank on Wednesday unveiled a $20 billion incentive package for financial institutions to combat the impact of the new coronavirus on the local economy.
The series of measures are expected to provide OR8 billion in additional liquidity to the country’s financial institutions, the central bank said in a tweet.
Oman is the latest Gulf country to launch an economic stimulus package as the virus threatens to hit trade, supply chains, travel and tourism hard across the world.
Earlier, Oman announced that all restaurants will close from midday on Wednesday.
Shops will also close, except those providing food, consumer items, clinics, pharmacies and opticians.
The latest instructions were agreed by the Supreme Committee in the Sultanate as the number of cases in the country reached 33.
Restrictions include limiting entry to Oman via land, sea or airports, to Omanis only and suspending all travel from the country.
All mosques are to close, except for the call to prayer, as well as all worship areas for non-muslims.
The committee has ordered the suspension of all gatherings, activities and conferences and closed all tourist sites including beaches, parks, wadis, mountains, sands, waterfalls and water springs.
Souqs and market places are also to close, as are sport and cultural clubs, sport halls, courts, health clubs, barber shops and beauty salons.
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