Friday 28 / March / 2025
Muscat: People began moving around at night from yesterday, after the Supreme Committee eased restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19.
All commercial activities in the country resumed operations, at 50 per cent customer capacity. However, customers can only enter their premises until 8 pm.
Shops selling foodstuff are exempt from this rule, while delivery and takeaway services are also allowed. However, gyms, sports clubs, and pitch rental facilities (locally known as tartan) will continue to remain shut until further notice.
According to Muscat Municipality, businesses that can once again operate include vehicle service shops, barbershops, beauty parlours, and car wash facilities. Children under the age of 12, though, are not allowed to enter commercial establishments.
Ablution facilities and toilets in mosques have also been reopened to the public, while restaurants and cafes can also accommodate diners at 50 per cent capacity.
In the wake of these new measures, the Royal Oman Police has asked people in the country to continue to follow protocols related to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Within the framework of the ROP implementing the decisions of the Supreme Committee regarding preventing gatherings in public places, it urges the public to cooperate in adhering to this, and confirms its follow-up and continuation of its duty to monitor all gatherings, in the interest of the public,” said the ROP in a statement.
Bus routes previously suspended by Mwasalat, the national transport company, also resumed from Sunday onwards.
The Muscat-Salalah route, as well as several other intercity bus services, had been suspended from May 9 to 15.
Employees also returned to the government offices, which will also operate at 50 per cent capacity. Those who are not required to attend work physically, however, must make sure they can continue their tasks remotely.
Alongside these announcements, the Supreme Committee voiced its appreciation for the great efforts exerted by medical teams as they battled the pandemic.
“They are commendable efforts that will yield fruit when all members of society campaign to make this experience a success,” said the Supreme Committee, noting that the collective action will immensely diminish the health and social impacts of the pandemic.
Developments relating to the pandemic were also reviewed, alongside measures to curb the spread of the virus, and the epidemiological situation in the country.
The Supreme Committee also expressed its delight at the gradual decline in the number of patients admitted to hospital wards and intensive care units in different parts of the country.
