Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat

Muscat, Jul 21: As a precaution against the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus disease during the Eid holiday, Oman imposed a total ban of business activities and movement of individuals and vehicles in full effect. The restrictions will end on July 24 sources reported.

The supreme committee of the Sultanate, an inter-agency body tasked with addressing Covid-19 concerns and issues had earlier banned Eid Al-Adha prayers, traditional pre-Eid souks (habta) as well as mass gatherings. The prohibition on mass gatherings includes family reunions, Eid greeting assemblies and collective celebrations of Eid.

However, limited movement of individuals are allowed and the opening of some business in the Wilayat of Sur, which was impacted by heavy rains and floodings.

“The committee took note of the impacts of heavy rains and flooding of wadis on public and private properties in the Wilayat of Sur, despite the efforts undertaken by the authorities concerned,” a statement from the committee said.

“To help bring life back to normal in a manner that does not contradict the measures and procedures endorsed to curb the pandemic… the COVID-19 supreme committee has decided to allow the movement of individuals and the opening of service outlets in the Wilayat of Sur,” it added.

The curfew will be lifted from 7 am until 5 pm on Tuesday July 20, and Wednesday July 21.