Oman will only allow citizens and residents to enter the Gulf Arab state from 8 April following an increase in COVID-19 cases that is pressuring the health care system, the country's coronavirus committee said on Monday.

The committee also extended an evening ban on all commercial activities until the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is due to start in mid-April this year, according to a statement on state media.

A curfew imposed on 28 March on movement of vehicles and people outdoors between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. would be lifted, as scheduled, on 8 April but would be reinstated during the month of Ramadan from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the statement added.