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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

Oman Locks down Industrial Zone over Coronavirus Fears

General view of old Muscat, Oman on January 12, 2020. (Reuters)

Omani authorities on Monday sealed off a third district where many low-income migrant workers live and work as part of efforts to combat the novel coronavirus.

Al Wadi Al Kabir industrial area in Muscat governorate will remain closed until further notice in order "to take health and safety measures", Oman Municipality said.

The Gulf state has since April 10 banned movement into or out of Muscat governorate, which includes the capital, after locking down Muttrah town, home to one of Oman's oldest souqs, due to the spread of infection among low-wage foreign workers.

Later that month it closed off a textile market in southeastern governorate's Jalan Bani Bu Ali town, which is a tourist destination and home to historic watchtowers and a fort.

Oman has recorded 2,637 infections and 12 deaths from the virus.

Last week it allowed a limited number of commercial businesses to reopen, including money exchanges, car and fishing boat repair stores, and shops selling electronic goods.

Kuwait, meanwhile, reported 171 recoveries from the coronavirus, taking the total to 1,947.

The country has reported 4,983 infections and 38 deaths.

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