COVID-19: Commercial centres, shops urged to abide by precautionary measures

Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has urged commercial centres and shops to adhere to the terms and conditions set by the authorities concerned.
This is part of the efforts made by the ministry to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The ministry’s call for abiding by the preventive measures has come following third phase of restoration of activities. During this phase, 49 activities have been allowed to be resumed under the condition of abiding by certain preventive measures and adhering to certain terms and conditions set in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
These steps are being taken in coordination with the Supreme Committee in charge of deciding measures to deal with the situation arising out of the spread of COVID-19. The decision to resume activities was reviewed keeping the preventive measures required to provide the services, health conditions regarding the safety of the workers.
The ministry has made it clear that the measures include managing the entry of the consumers into batches, maintain a safe distance of two metres between a consumer and the other at the billing counters, sanitisation of the shopping carts and surfaces as well as availability of sterilizers for consumers.
It has also made it clear that legal actions would be taken against commercial centres and shops which would not abide by these procedures.
The ministry has said that the it was necessary for the consumers to abide by the measures for their own safety. The shopping has to be done by an individual for the entire family. They must wear masks, sterilize hands, and avoid shopping during the peak hours, which is usually between 7 pm and 10 pm. The ministry has also urged the consumers to opt for online shopping.
The team, comprising the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and representatives each from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Transport and the Public Administration of Customs of the Royal Oman Police, Pubic Authority for Stores and Food Reserve, Public Authority for Consumer Protection, Oman Global Logistics Group -Asyad and Oman Aviation Group, was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the team was to do the follow up of the economic implications of the spread of the corona virus, to ensure providing of the basic commodities and making their crossing of border corridors easy.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced several precautionary measures related to the work of industrial establishments to limit the effects of the COVID-19.