To: All Licensed Banks and Finance and Leasing Companies Operating in the Sultanate of Oman

After compliments,

Sub: Temporary stoppage of branch services in the Wilayats of Muscat and Muttrah - COVID-19

1. In view of the decision by the Government Authorities to temporarily restrict movements in some areas of the Governorate of Muscat, as a preventive measure to protect the citizens and residents against the spread of COVID-19, the Central Bank accordingly advises temporary stoppage of operations/services immediately, at all their offices/branches of banks and FLCs in the Wilayats of Muscat and Muttrah, until further notice.

2. Banks and FLCs whose critical operations are to be necessarily carried out from their offices situated in the above Wilayats should identify the minimum critical staff for the same and issue them the needed letters accordingly to meet the travel/checkpoint requirements.

3. In the above context, the Central Bank instructs banks and FLCs to provide "critical services" through digital/online channels and encourage customers to avail the same. The customers should also be notified, promptly, about the closure of offices/branches.

4. Further, banks should ensure uninterrupted functioning of ATMs/CDMs situated in the Wilayats of Muscat and Muttrah.