Oman extends Eid holidays with aim to tackle COVID-19
Patrols and checkpoints have been intensified during lockdown period
Muscat: The Eid Al Adha holidays have been extended in Oman till August 6, the Oman News Agency reported Monday. The decision comes based on the directives of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The Eid holidays will now be from July 30 till August 6; the holidays announced initially were until August 3.
Oman is currently ina lockdown that started on July 25 until August 8, as announced by the Supreme Committee on COVID-19. The Committee also banned movement of people, and announced the closure of all public places and shops between 7pm and 6am during the lockdown period.
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Patrols and checkpoints have been intensified during this lockdown period. The Supreme Committee also banned all types of gatherings, including Eid prayers, traditional Eid markets, and group celebrations of the Eid or exchange of visits.
Social Media users have reacted to this announcement with cheer and happiness. Ibrahim Al Harthy, says this is a praiseworthy decision. “This is the right decision during this time. I hope everyone understands their responsibility and stays at home and not venture out much.” Says Ibrahim who loves to travel, but has been controlling the urge due to the current situation.
Omar Al Said, one of the three brothers that own the popular organic farm Yuzuagriculture says that the long holidays is a nice time to stay indoors and reflect. “It is great that the holidays have been extended. It gives people a chance to reflect on where they are going and what they are doing with life. This break is a great excuse to catch up on all those Netflix flicks you have been wanting to watch with the family,” Omar says in typical millennial style.
Salam Al Kindi, Director of Corporate Affairs, at Salam Air, noted that the initial announcement of the holidays was from Thursday to Tuesday. “Adding three more days will not impact the business much since the working hours during the lockdown period is already short and not much volume of business is happening due to restricted movements. But the three extra days of holidays that come in the lockdown period will have good results in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus and will bring in the benefits of recovery.”
Omar Al Jabri, working with Sheraton Oman says: “The extension of Eid holidays supports the restrictions set by the current lockdown and it’s a good step to stop the spread of the virus. We will work to stop the spread of this pandemic with the new restrictions and I am very sure that the cases will come down with these measures.”