COVID-19: Oman bans Eid prayers, all kinds of gatherings

Dubai: Oman will not hold public prayers during Eid Al Fitr at the end of Ramadan, local media reported.

The decision was taken by the Supreme Committee as the country struggles to contain the growing number of COVID-19 infections.

Eid holidays will start from Wednesday, May 12 and will end on Saturday, May 15, if the Eid Al Fitr falls on Thursday. Work will resume on Sunday.

The committee also banned all kinds of gatherings including amily gatherings or mass celebrations of Eid. The committee also said gatherings at beaches and parks during Eid holidays are not allowed.

The committee also took other stringent measures ahead of Eid Al Fitr to curb the spread of COVID-19 including closing all commercial activities throughout the day, starting from May 8 until May 15, except for food stores, fuel stations, health centres, home delivery of all goods.

It extended the night movement ban between 7pm to 4am from Saturday, May 8 until May 15. Oman on Sunday registered more than 2,500 cases, including 33 deaths, while over 100 patients have been admitted to hospitals in 24 hours.