Prior to New Year's eve, no one would have imagined we'd reach a global crisis just a few weeks into 2020 — a despised year by many. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced companies, people, and countries to take serious measures to restrict the virus from further spreading. These include halting flights, encouraging remote work, closing schools, and adapting e-learning to avoid affecting the learning outcomes of students.

But would you have thought to see the removal of bans on certain apps in Oman? Well, it's happening.

Oman has lifted restraints on internet tools such as Skype for Business, Google Meet, and Zoom to help companies and schools navigate their way through this tough time. So instead of having students/employees meet in person, they can hold remote meetings and classes without face-to-face contact.

The decision was made "due to exceptional circumstances," the Gulf state’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) wrote in a tweet.