Muscat: Bringing a cheer to the residents and citizens of Oman, Supreme Committee announced today the fifth batch of businesses are allowed to open now, while adhering to the COVID-19 precautions. Muttrah souq, a bustling market place for traditional and modern wares that had been closed for some time, will now be open.
The announcement brought a burst of cheer among the merchant community and shop owners inside the souq.
Other businesses that will be open are restaurants, gyms and swimming pools inside hotel establishments, fish markets across all governorates, commercial activities that are run inside traditional markets, newspaper and magazine printing, special training activities approved by the Ministry of Manpower, playgrounds for the purpose of training national teams for regional and international events to be used by the national football team, national junior team, Oman national futsal team, Dhofar sports club, tennis playground for the general category, sale of phone sim cards, car wash centres, sale of tobacco and its products, tents’ sale and tailoring shops.
Even though the international and tourists restaurants are allowed to open, sale of shisha and alcoholic drinks are not allowed to be served. The food courts at shopping malls will also remain closed.
“The thought of having coffee with newspaper in hand is a feeling that I have missed for so long. It makes us think deeply about the simple things in life we take for granted. Not anymore…” laughed Ramkrishnan, architect consultant, working from his home currently.
Das, a tailor in Azaiba, choked with emotions as he got ready to open his shop that had been locked for over three months. “I hope this is the start of good things to come.”
