190203 sultanate
A view of the old souq in Muscat. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported arresting several Omanis in the governorates of Al Dakhiliyah and Al Batinah North for gathering and violating decisions taken by the Supreme Committee dealing with COVID-19. Image Credit: Supplied

Cairo: Omani authorities said Tuesday they had detained an unspecified number of citizens for violating rules in place to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported arresting several Omanis in the governorates of Al Dakhiliyah and Al Batinah North for gathering and violating decisions taken by the Supreme Committee dealing with COVID-19.

Administrative fines were levied on the violators, the ROP said on Twitter.

Police in the Governorate of Al Batinah South, meanwhile, issued a fine against a restaurant for failing to comply with the anti-coronavirus rules, the ROP added.

"In order to lead a life safe from COVID-19, we have to abide by social distancing rules and public safety conditions related to this pandemic," the ROP said.

Although Oman has recently eased some virus-induced restrictions, authorities have repeatedly warned against mass gatherings, saying that the danger of the highly contagious disease is not over yet.