Oman readies action plan to deal with potential cases of coronavirus

The World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health are jointly co-ordinating on the plan

Passengers queue at the airline check-in desks inside the passenger terminal at the airport in Muscat, Oman. Bloomberg

Oman has revealed its plans, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, to identify and deal with potential cases of the coronavirus strain that broke out in China.

The virus, which originated in the city of Wuhan, has killed dozens in China and infected about 2,000 people, sparking alarm that it could spread to many other countries.

Cases have been reported in Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan and the United States.

Airport authorities in the Gulf country have put in place measures to deal with passengers showing  symptoms that include a fever, cough, headache, sore throat and the feeling of general illness.

Oman Airports said the Ministry of Health and other organisations were ready to deal with cases involving the coronavirus strain "and to discuss with specialists and stakeholders how to proceed in the activation of the related emergency preparedness and response plans".

Passengers travelling to Oman will receive a disease disclosure form and flight crews will ensure  the forms are filled out before landing.

"Across departure corridors, airport display screens will spread awareness about the new coronavirus, as well as share guidelines and tips that should be followed during travel, with the Ministry of Health providing formulation and design of display materials and Oman Airports responsible for displaying this," the Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control said.

The department outlined other measures that would be put in place to reduce the risk of those with coronavirus coming into contact with others.

Respiratory masks will also be given to travellers with coronavirus symptoms and an audio alert will be issued by all airlines before landing, the department said.

"The latest states of the emerging coronavirus, as well the symptoms that accompany the disease will also be made through announcements. Travellers who've visited or had contact with a patient with novel coronavirus during the past 14 days must fill out the disease disclosure form."