Cases of fake hotel reservations for isolation detected

A large number of fake hotel reservations have been detected among travellers arriving in Oman, according to Hamoud bin Mohammed al Mundhiri, spokesman of the Ministry of Social Development’s Relief and Shelter Sector.

“Everyone who enters Oman through land borders or airports must register and wear the electronic tracking bracelet. The second stage begins by heading for the hotel chosen for institutional quarantine. A large number of violations of furnishing fictitious hotel bookings have been detected. Violators’ data have been recorded,” Mundhiri said.

He informed that the Relief and Shelter Sector has contacted the concerned authorities to verify hotel bookings and site of isolation. “Travellers are visited at the isolation centre for verification if necessary. Violators are referred to the police for necessary action,” Mundhiri said.

Airlines are required to provide a list of passengers entering the sultanate to facilitate the institutional quarantine process, which is based on a decision of the Supreme Committee, according to H E Rashid al Shamsi, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Social Development.

“Health isolation in Oman has passed through several stages. The Relief and Shelter Sector is coordinating the process with the concerned authorities. Whoever has been asked to isolate must do so and not expose himself to legal action,” H E Shamsi said.

He informed that requests were received from private sector organisations for institutional quarantine of staff in company accommodation which were granted following necessary procedures in coordination with concerned authorities.

“In the event of any violation, necessary action will be taken in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police. Violators will be contacted to find out the reason for noncompliance,” H E Shamsi said.

The ministry has opened three phone lines - 24994267, 24994266 and 24994266 – for enquiries and to report violations of institutional quarantine.

“Whoever has been directed to isolate, must do so or risk legal action. Efforts are currently underway to install devices in malls to ensure compliance with the procedures of the Supreme committee,” H E Shamsi said.