COVID: Oman to impose partial lockdown

Oman imposes stricter measures including a partial lockdown from 7 pm to 4 am amid surge of COVID cases in the country. The move will take effect from May 8 until May 15, the Omani News Agency (ONA) reported.

During the night curfew, all commercial activities are to close down except for delivery services, gas stations, grocery stores, health institutions and pharmacies. Movement of vehicles are restricted and all residents are advised to stay indoors during the curfew hours.

In a bid to contain the spread of Covid19, the state's Supreme Committee has also decided to suspend Eid prayers and all sorts of gatherings or mass celebrations in public places during the Eid Al Fitr holidays.

All units of state administrative apparatus and other public legal activities are limited to remote working from Sunday (May 9), ONA stated. The committee also called on private companies to implement online working and reduce the operational capacity in offices.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health Ahmad Al Saidi on Monday issued a circular to all health institutions that prevent health workers in the Sultanate from resigning until further notice.

Qouting Article (12) of the Infectious Diseases Control Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 9.2, the circular stated that "it is decided to stop receiving the resignation requests submitted by the occupants of medical and auxiliary medical posts from Omanis until further notice," quoted a report by Times of Oman.

According to Al Saidi, the decision was made to preserve the efficiency of the health system in response, and to be able to contribute effectively to the state's efforts from all sectors to confront the repercussions of the pandemic.