Ban on public gathering still in effect: ROP

Energy Wednesday 03/June/2020 18:55 PM
By: Times News Service
Ban on public gathering still in effect: ROP

Muscat: The decision to ban gatherings in beaches and recreational activities is still in place and violators will have to bear the penalties stipulated, an official at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) noted.

Major Muhammad Al-Hashami said in an exclusive interview with the Times of Oman, "Re-opening Muscat Governorate and allowing more commercial activities does not mean that the procedures for social distancing are lifted and the penalties stipulated therein. The decision to ban all gatherings in various forms is still in effect and the prescribed penalty will be imposed on people who not adhere to it."

Al-Hashami added, "According to the law if five people, who do not share the same residence, are gathered in a public place, it'll be considered as a violation. If less than five people are gathered and they are not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing, they would be detained and fined." Failure to wear masks in public areas would call for a fine of OMR 20.

According to the law, inviting individuals to any gatherings including celebrations and funeral, as well as gathering in public places is a violation of the decisions of the Supreme Committee dealing with COVID-19. These violations will call for a fine of OMR 1500 and those participating in these gatherings will pay a fine of OMR 100 and in case of a repeat offence, the fine shall be doubled.