ROP clarifies conditions for wearing masks in Oman

Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has issued a clarification on the conditions for wearing a mask outside home as well as the penalty for violations.

A statement issued online by the Government Communication Centre (GC) said, "The conditions for wearing a mask outside the home are as follows: Once a person leaves the house, he must wear a mask. This includes at all permitted commercial and industrial activities and workplaces in the public and private sectors, public transportation and other public places.”

The statement confirmed: “All should wear masks while driving their own vehicles. Wearing the mask inside the vehicle depends on the following cases: If the driver of the vehicle is alone, he is not obligated to wear it, but he is obligated to wear it when he exits the vehicle. If the driver of the vehicle is with his family members inside the vehicle, everyone is not obligated to wear it inside the vehicle, but if someone exits from the vehicle, they must wear a mask.”

“In addition, if a person or persons with the driver are inside the vehicle and are not members of the family that live together, they must wear a mask inside the vehicle,” the statement added.

The statement also pointed out that: “As for the Eid barbecue gatherings, they are also included in prohibited customs. The Eid barbecue is considered a gathering and is contrary to the decision of the Supreme Committee, and the violators will be subject to legal actions.”

“The penalty for not wearing a mask in public places is in accordance with Resolution No. 151/2020, which relates to controls for dealing with violators of the decisions of the Supreme Committee. Not wearing the mask is a violation and the fine is OMR 20, with the offender detained for 48 hours and this may be extended based on an order from the Public Prosecution.”