OABC COVID-19 Resource Center

Oman American Business Council (OABC) > OABC COVID-19 Resource Center

This evolving page will be regularly updated with all the essential information relevant to member companies and their employees affected by the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, including government alerts, links to news coverage, advice on how to manage your workplace, industry-specific information, and more.

ICYMI: Global Dashboard on COVID-19 Government Policies Launched

The U.S. Chamber this week launched the Global Dashboard on COVID-19 Government Policies, which tracks pandemic-related changes in the international economic and regulatory landscape. The dashboard provides direct links to policy information across a growing number of countries (41 as of today) and addresses issues such as fiscal programs, guidance on critical infrastructure and workers, export restrictions, and data protection authorities. The site was accessed by viewers from nearly 100 countries in its first week.

The Chamber’s International Affairs Division continues to update the dashboard and will add countries and fields as information becomes available. Chamber members are encouraged to share suggestions and tips on useful information to help make it as comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date as possible.

US Government Information, Updates, and Alerts

CDC homepage for COVID-19 information
Global Dashboard on COVID-19 Government Policies
Department of State homepage for COVID-19 information
Department of State travel warning for Oman
Department of State Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel
What the Department of State can and can’t do in a crisis
All US Embassy Oman travel and health alerts
Latest Embassy Health Alert as of Mar 29
STEP Program – All US Citizens Outside the US Should Register for STEP to Receive Information from the Embassy or Consulate
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program homepage, which allows US citizens traveling and living abroad to register with the nearest Embassy or Consulate
American Citizen Services (contact email): ConsularMuscat@state.gov
Visa services have ceased until further notice. American Citizen Services continue.
Guidelines for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19

Hand-picked Resources and Articles from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

General articles on small business resources available during the coronavirus outbreak:

Coronavirus Best Practices for Small Businesses
3 Expert Strategies for Curbing Coronavirus-Related Business Losses

Managing your team through coronavirus:

7 Things To Do When Creating an Emergency Work-from-Home Policy for COVID-19
5 Experts on How to Manage employees Through Difficult Times
Is Your Workforce Suddenly Remote? Here’s What to Know about Cybersecurity
6 Ways to Keep Your Team Productive While Working from Home
4 Business Management Trends for Leading a Remote Team

Staying connected with customers:

Staying Connected with Customers Through the Coronavirus Outbreak
5 Ways to Retain Your Customers During the Coronavirus Outbreak
15 Examples of How Companies Are Communicating with Customers about Coronavirus
5 Top Tech Tools for Customer Communication During the Coronavirus
5 Video Marketing Tools for Small Businesses

Resources for Reopening Businesses

The below resources created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and partnering organizations are directed at U.S. businesses reopening their doors during the coronavirus pandemic, but a majority of the information is useful for companies worldwide.

Sector-Specific Guidance

The Pandemic has effected different industries differently – likewise, the reopening process will vary by sector. Here are sector-specific guidance from some of the leading industry associations and government sources:

For restaurants: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Restaurants and Bars and National Restaurant Association’s Reopening Guidance
For retailers: National Retail Federation’s Operation Open Doors
For home service providers: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for At-Home Service Providers
For construction businesses: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for Construction Environments
For gyms and fitness facilities: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities
For office-based businesses: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for General Office Settings
For hair and nail salons: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons
For airlines: CDC’s Interim Guidance for Airlines and Airline Crew
For childcare programs: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Childcare Programs
For camps and youth programs: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Camps and Youth Programs
For schools: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Schools

Small Business-Specific Guidance

READY TO REOPEN: A playbook for your small business: Download this step-by-step guide to help your company reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed as restrictions lift across the country. The playbook includes safety and sanitation guidance, communications advice, and other best practices information.

Path Forward

NAVIGATING THE RETURN TO WORK: Path forward, America is restarting the economy after a lengthy shutdown. The effort to bring millions of people back to work brings lots of big, complicated questions.

Path Forward, a series produced by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, is designed to help business and community leaders find the answers they need to execute a responsible reopening strategy and plan for a post-pandemic world.

How do we protect employees and customers from the coronavirus? What are some of the barriers to a successful reopening of the economy? Where can my staff get COVID-19 tests? Masks? Gloves? Who’s going to pay for all this? Each episode features conversations between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark and experts with practical recommendations for businesses of all sizes.

Path Forward events take place at 3 p.m. ET every Thursday, please click here to review past events.