Oman announces COVID-related restrictions for Ramazan

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman on Monday announced restrictions to be followed during the holy month of Ramazan amid the third wave of COVID-19.

According to local media reports, the Supreme Committee dealing with COVID-19 has made the announcement, restricting any movement outside the homes during a period between 9:00 pm and 4:00 am during the Holy Month of Ramazan.

Between these hours, commercial activities will also remain closed.

Furthermore, the reports said that Ramadan prayers in mosques are not permitted, nor are any gatherings related to the Holy Month, such as iftars and suhoors, either in places of worship, people’s homes, majlis, and other areas designed for large-scale gatherings.

Social activities, including cultural events and sports matches, are also not permitted during this time.

On March 19, amid the alarming situation of COVID-19 cases, Oman’s Supreme Committee extended the partial curfew until April 3.

All supermarkets, malls, coffee shops and health clubs will remain closed from 8pm till 5am. Home delivery from restaurants as well as that of food and grocery items for home delivery can go on beyond 8pm.

The committee members informed that the epidemiological data on the spread of COVID-19 in Oman was worrisome and hence it was decided to continue with the curfew for a further extended period.

The number of staff in administrative offices of government and other public offices has also been curtailed to not more than 70 per cent, effective March 21 Sunday.

Beaches have also been announced as open but only for exercise activities for individuals and prohibits any group gatherings.

Pharmacies, petrol stations and hospitals were exempted from the curfew from the beginning. The partial curfew doesn’t stop people from venturing outside, as long as it not for attending gatherings and also adherence to mandatory measures such as social distancing and wearing face masks are ensured.