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

The committee also extended an evening ban on all commercial activities until the end of Ramazan, which is due to start in mid-April.

A curfew imposed on March 28 on movement of vehicles and people outdoors between 8pm and 5am would be lifted, as scheduled, on April 8 but would be reinstated during Ramazan from 9pm to 4am.