Middle East Covid Restrictions Gradually Eased; Businesses Optimistic About Return
A detailed study by the World Tourism Organization(UNTWO) — ‘Related Travel Restrictions: A Global Review for Tourism’ reflects on the easing of Covid restrictions in different parts of the world and re-examines the measures taken by 217 destinations worldwide. While all the countries are still under some form of travel restrictions, nearly 75 percent have completely shut their borders to international tourism.
Since the virus cannot be completely eradicated till easy availability of an effective vaccine begins, even the Middle East covid restrictions are gradually easing. After being under lockdown since 3 months, Cyprus welcomed tourists yesterday with flights scheduled from Israel, Greece and Bulgaria. With transmission rates below one and a very low mortality rate, the island country is promoting itself as a comparatively safer holiday destination to travellers.
As infection rates reduced, Turkey’s Covid restrictions on intercity travel were lifted after two-months of lockdown on June 8. Cafes, restaurants and other places of socialising have also been opened. The country’s President Receop Tayyip Erdogan had recently lifted stay-at-home orders for people aged over 65 and for minors. The weekend lockdown will still persist.
In Oman, Covid restrictions were eased today allowing several shops and businesses to reopen. Tourist areas will remain closed till July 3. Popular leisure areas including Jabal Akhdar, Masirah, Dhofar Governate will be shut from June 13 to July 3.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has extended lockdown for another week due to concerns about the rising number of coronavirus cases. Movement between Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and Al-Dhafra has been strictly banned. Only movement of essential workers and transport of necessary goods has been permitted.
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has shut 71 mosques after health authorities reported a hike in the number of active cases among worshippers. As per the government body, the mosques will be reopened only after proper sterilisation.
Starting June 15, Qatar is starting a four-phase plan to ease Covid restrictions. The first phase will see limited opening of mosques and flights. In the second phase, malls, marketplaces can be opened for limited hours. Phase 3 of the plan will witness the opening of restaurants and low-risk inbound flights for priority passengers. In the final phase, cinemas, museums, libraries and metro services will be resumed.
As it seems, a gradual easing of the Middle East Covid restrictions is one way to protect the region’s economies. A detailed lay out about the opening dates of businesses, like the one offered by Qatar, offers some reassurance to both travellers and businesses looking for some respite amidst the crisis.
