Coronavirus: Not closing shops will attract hefty fines

Those who do not comply with instructions to shut down markets will have to pay a fine of up to OMR1,000, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources said.

A Ministerial Resolution was issued to 'close and block some shops, activities and markets', based on the decision of the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19.

The decision made it mandatory to shut down all shops in commercial complexes excluding food and consumer product shops, clinics, pharmacies, and optical stores.

For the first violation, a fine of OMR300 will be charged and for subsequent violations, the fine will be OMR1,000 and cancellation of license.