Oman Eases Covid-19 Restrictions: Mosques Reopen, Beaches Open to Public
Oman Eases Covid-19 Restrictions, Allows Reopening of Certain Businesses and Activities
The Sultanate of Oman has announced that it will lift several coronavirus-related restrictions on Wednesday, allowing for the reopening of certain businesses and activities across the country. The Supreme Committee responsible for managing the pandemic in Oman made the decision to ease some of the measures put in place to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
Reopening of Mosques with Capacity under 100
The committee has decided that mosques with a capacity of less than 100 people will be allowed to reopen, but only for performing the five daily prayers. This decision takes into account the need to balance religious observance with public health concerns. The mosques will be required to adhere to strict guidelines, including social distancing measures and the provision of sanitizing facilities.
Meanwhile, the ban on commercial activities from 8pm to 4am in all governorates has been lifted, effective immediately. However, the reopening of business outlets should be carried out while ensuring that the number of shoppers at commercial outlets, restaurants, and cafeterias is restricted to 50% of their capacity. This measure aims to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on the private sector and stimulate various business activities while minimizing any potential disruption to protecting individuals against Covid-19.
Permission for Exhibition and Wedding Halls
The committee has also granted permission to open exhibition and wedding halls, provided that attendance at these events does not exceed 30% of the venue’s capacity. A maximum of 300 people will be permitted in the case of large halls. These measures are designed to support various sectors and activities that were impacted by the pandemic.
Visits to Beaches and Parks
The public has been allowed to visit beaches and parks, but gatherings of any kind at these locations remain banned. This measure aims to strike a balance between allowing citizens to enjoy outdoor spaces while preventing large gatherings that could increase the risk of transmission.
Resumption of Sports Activities
Sports activities can resume in open spaces, including sports halls, swimming pools, and other facilities. However, attendance will be restricted to 50% of the facility’s capacity to ensure social distancing.
The Sultanate’s Supreme Committee will continue to monitor the situation and review its decisions in accordance with epidemiological developments. The committee warned that it would take appropriate action when deemed necessary, including re-closure of activities or imposing travel restrictions if warranted.
Oman’s Entry Ban
Oman’s land borders will reopen, allowing Omani citizens and GCC residents living in Oman to move across land borders to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait for work-related tasks. They must provide proof of assignments from their places of employment.
However, travelers arriving from certain countries continue to face restrictions. The entry ban will remain enforced indefinitely for individuals coming from Sudan, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, the UK, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Philippines. Starting June 5 at 2pm, travelers from Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam will also be temporarily banned.
Individuals who have visited these countries within a 14-day period prior to entering Oman will not be permitted entry into the sultanate. In light of this decision, Omani citizens are advised against visiting these destinations.
The Supreme Committee’s decisions reflect ongoing efforts to balance public health concerns with the need for economic recovery and social activity in Oman.
