SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

Oman bans commercial activity from May 8 to 15

Oman’s state news agency said on Sunday that it will ban the movement of people and vehicles from 7 pm to 4 am from May 8 until May 15, citing the Supreme Committee for Combating Coronavirus.

Except for food stores, gas stations, health institutions and pharmacies, Oman will also ban commercial activity all day during the same period. Home delivery services for all goods are also exempt.

The decision came following a supreme committee meeting chaired by Minister of Interior Hammoud bin Faisal Al-Busaidi on developments in the pandemic.

The sultanate also said government employees will work from home from May 9 until May 11, and urged private sector companies to implement business continuity plans by working remotely and downsizing the number of employees who are required to come to the workplace.

The supreme committee also instructed people to not hold Eid prayers and traditional markets, and banned all kinds of gatherings and celebrations in various locations, including beaches, parks and public gardens, during Eid Al-Fitr.

Eid Al-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” or Lesser Eid, is celebrated by Muslims around the world to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. This year, it is expected to start on May 12.

The committee said the measures aim to “protect society from the pandemic and its great health risks,” and called on the public to adhere to them and avoid gatherings during the remainder of Ramadan and throughout the Eid holiday.

The committee added that the decisions are continuously being reviewed according to epidemiological developments.

    Source:
  • Arab News