Oman SC: 50% attendance in work, Friday Prayers Halted starting from 23 Jan

Muscat (ONA): As part of its ongoing convening, the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developing resulting from coroanvirus pandemic studied updates about the pandemic, ways of protection against the virus and means of curbing its spread in the Sultanate of Oman.

The committee reviewed reports on the epidemiological situation of the virus In the domestic front and noted a sharp surge in the number of patients afflicted with Omicron, the mutated variant of the virus, coupled with a spike in number of people admitted to hospital wards in different governorates.

The current reading points to the probability of a further rise in number of patients and hospitalized persons, particularly among children who have not yet been vaccinated.

To maintain the health service department’s ability to handle the situation, the Covid-19 Supreme Committee took the following decision, which will be enforced for a period of two weeks with effect from Sunday 23 January.

Firstly, limiting to 50% the number of employees who attend at the workplace in units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus (gov’t units) and other public entities.

Secondly, suspending all conferences and exhibitions.

Thirdly, suspending congregational activities and advising the organizers to hold them without audience, while at the same time ensuring that the participants/organizers able by the precautionary measures announced before, including showing proof of vaccination.

Fourth, suspending the holding of Friday prayers, while at the same time allowing mosques to hold the five daily prayers at a capacity of 50% at each mosque and in line with the procedures announced by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

The Supreme Committee also urges all to take all pending vaccinations and go for booster doses. The authorities concerned are urged to show no lenience in applying the precautionary measures, namely to ensure commitment to all measures at residence, the workplaces and public places.