Muscat: All Eid gatherings including Eid prayers and collective celebrations will be banned in Oman during Eid Al Fitr, the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19 in the Sultanate announced on Monday.
Oman police will be in charge of monitoring people, public and private entities’ commitment to the committee’s decision.
All violators of these decisions will be fined and jailed, the committee said, adding that it was decided to reopen some economic and industrial activities while adhering to precautionary measures.
“Everyone is required to wear face masks in public places, economic and industrial workplaces and public transport,” the committee said.
“People should make a conscious effort to keep away from each other and maintain social distancing at all possible areas,” the Committee further said.
The recent spike in the number of cases has been triggered by a number of illegal get-togethers, and anyone doing so will be subject to legal action, the Supreme Committee sounded.
“Mass gatherings still exist and some people do not abide by social distancing despite repeated appeals from the authorities,” said Dr Ahmed Al Saidi, Minister of Health.
“Sadly, some people are still not obeying the social distancing rules and are conducting mass gatherings for Iftar which is a total violation of social distancing.”
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has arrested a group of people while they were attending a social gathering and were referred to the judicial authorities in Sharqiya, on Saturday.
“We receive tip-offs round the clock about social gatherings and such cases are dealt with immediately. The offenders have been referred to the judicial authorities for further procedures”, the ROP said.
The ROP further called on all to cooperate with the various bodies involved in containing the pandemic and to stop gatherings.
“Families should avoid any gatherings or activities during Ramadhan days or Eid Al Fitr for the security of the society,” the ROP said.
