Oman tightens Covid-19 restrictions

The sultanate has reintroduced a nighttime curfew from 8pm

Oman has announced the re-introduction of a nighttime curfew until further notice, in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The rules were put in place by The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from the pandemic. It means there’s a ban on the movement of people and vehicles, as well as the closure of all public places and commercial activities, from 8pm to 4am every day.

Food stores, gas stations, health institutions and pharmacies are exempt from the order, as are delivery services for all goods.

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A statement from Oman News Agency (ONA) said: “While appreciating the commitment of many individuals in society and across different establishments to precautionary measures aimed to curb the spread of the disease, the Supreme Committee expresses its astonishment and deep concern at the indifference of some people who continue to hold gatherings for various events in stark violation of the approved procedures.”

The statement continued: “The committee warns that the [law and order] departments concerned are firm in undertaking [punitive] action adequate in this regard.”

According to the most recent statistics, Oman has recorded 242,723 cases of Covid-19 since the onset of the global pandemic, which has claimed 2,626 lives in the Sultanate. There are 26,217 active cases, 382 of which are described as “serious” or “critical”.