COVID-19: Oman reimposes lockdown as number of new cases rise
Decision was announced by the Omani supreme committee today
Muscat: During a press briefing held today the Omani supreme committee announced the decision to reimpose a lockdown on number of governates due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al Saeedi spoke during the conference and said, "The number of hospitalised cases remains low, mortality is low and the health sector in the Sultanate remains vigilant. For the PCR tests it should not cost more than OMR 45, and the antibody test should not be beyond OMR 14 in private hospitals."
"While vaccine manufacturing is expected to begin in September, after the third stage of the drug's clinical trials are completed, Oman hope to participate in the clinical trials so that it has a priority in purchasing them. Measures are being taken to secure the vaccine for Oman when it is available," he added.
The decision to begin the fifth phase - which included reopening beauty salons - has been postponed due to the latest decision.
Dr. Al Saeedi also addressed school reopenings and said that there is no clear vision at this point. "We don't know when the education will resume or when the vaccine will be available. We hope for everyone’s support during this lockdown and we hope we do not need to extend this after August 8.”
Special permit
For governates under lockdown food and supply will be allowed to cross over in specific time frame. “Trucks with a load of 3 tons carrying products such as milk, vegetables, meat, fuel and cooking gas will be allowed to cross only through checkpoints from 7pm to 6am," said Eng Ahmed Al Dheeb, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. "Factories can only operate during the day time and those who want to operate 24 hours should obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,” he added.
Lt Brigadier Said Al Asmi, Director General of Operations at Royal Oman Police said RO100 fine will be imposed for violating the decision that bans any kind of movement including walking or using any means of transportation. Those who have a confirmed appointment with health institutions can cross from one governorate to another, provided the text message that confirms the date of the patient’s appointment is shown.
Traveling to and out of Oman
During the conference the Minister of Transport, Dr Ahmed Al Futaisi also addressed the issue of residents stuck outsided the country.
“Residents can return to Oman after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the airline or their affiliated institutions. Health isolation for 14 days is still mandatory for those coming to Oman. Workers from other governorates are not allowed to cross the checkpoints during the lockdown. Those within the governorates can go to workplaces."
With regards to those wishing to fly out of Oman, he said, "Those who have flights after 7pm during the lockdown can go to the airport by presenting flight tickets and passports at checkpoints. Flight travellers should be accompanied only by the driver of the vehicle that drops him. Flights and ferries will continue to Musandam.”
Dr. Saif al Abri, Director General of Diseases Surveillance and Control said that the second stage of the national survey, the serological survey, will begin after the second week of the Eid holiday. “The youngest death recorded in Sultanate is of a 22 year old boy. We have to protect the children and not to let expose them to the infection, especially those who suffer from chronic diseases. 20,000 bracelet have been used to track the cases. We hope that from the middle of next week there will be a noticeable decrease in the number of cases.”