Tuesday 23 / April / 2024
Muscat: Speaking at the Supreme Committee press conference on Covid-19 in Oman, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health advised caution during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holidays.
The Minister of Health said: “The decision to enforce a complete closure on the Eid days has generated a lot of controversy. How can some people celebrate Eid with the increasing number of deaths, as everyone is affected by this pandemic.”
Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean said: “The closure decision by Oman during Eid will protect the lives of citizens and expatriates and relieve pressure on medical staff. The reasons for the rise in cases are attributed to the new mutations of the Covid-19 virus, the lax application of community prevention measures and the slow spread of the vaccine system worldwide.”
Vaccine campaign to stop during complete closure:
Speaking about the vaccine campaign Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi said: “The vaccination campaign will stop during the days of complete ban, and will continue intensively after that.”
No change in protocols for people visiting Oman:
Dr. Saif bin Salem Al Abri, Director General of Disease Control and Control, Ministry of Health said: “There is no change so far regarding the protocols in place for those visiting Oman.”
Movement ban:
Talking about the movement ban, Major General Abdullah bin Ali bin Hamad Al-Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Operations said: “All procedures will remain the same as the previous movement ban. The ban this time will be in effect from July 16 to the end of this month.”
“A centre will be opened on July 16 and will be operational 24/7. This centre will function under the supervision of five government ministries and will monitor all cases during the time of closure,” he said and added that “Non-vaccinated people will not be allowed to enter Musandam and Dhofar. There is also no change in the decisions on issuing of visas, except for whatever exclusions have been announced by the Supreme Committee.”
Exceptions during complete closure:
Major General Abdullah bin Ali bin Hamad Al-Harthy said: “During the closure, exceptions will be made for passage of patients, humanitarian cases and for every activity related to the storage and sale of foodstuff and other basic essential activities. Medical cases and emergency teams dealing with electricity supply, water supply and other essential services will be permitted.”
He added: "For farmers who need to water their crops as well as tend to their farms and livestock, there will be some scope of flexibility in the rules and these groups will be allowed to carry out their activities, but in strict compliance with clear and specific rules and controls."
Qais Al-Youssef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion said: "Delivery companies and street vendors are allowed to sell during the closure period, provided that they obtain permits."
Slaughterhouses to be closed during Eid day:
Eng. Issam bin Saud bin Harib al- Zadjali, Chairman of Muscat Municipality said: "The municipality’s slaughterhouses will be available at the present time in two shifts, which are from 7 am to 12 pm and the second period from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. The slaughterhouses will be closed during Eid days."
