As part of its ongoing convening, the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic followed up updates about the disease and studied ways of protecting the public against the virus and curbing its spread.

A statement issued yesterday [April 24, 2022] by the Committee read: “Upon the advent of Eid Al Fitr, the Supreme Committee is honoured to express its best wishes and heartfelt greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the people of Oman and residents on its land, as well as the Arab and Islamic nations.

“The committee prayed to the Almighty Allah to bring back such happy days when His Majesty the Sultan is enjoying good health and wellbeing. It also wished Omani people, Arab and Islamic nations progress, prosperity and wellbeing upon happy returns of the occasion.”

After studying the epidemiological situation in the Sultanate of Oman, based on the latest data about the virus and statistics of patients – including those admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in different hospitals in Oman, the Supreme Committee took the following decisions to protect public health against the disease:

First, Eid Al Fitr prayers have to be restricted to worshippers who have taken two doses of the vaccine, while entry to the prayer grounds has to be prohibited to those unvaccinated and children aged below 12 years of age. All worshippers should observe physical distancing, continue to wear face masks, and avoid handshakes and embracing when greeting each other.

Second, formalities of protection like face masks and physical distance should continue to be respected in closed areas, while all are required to stick to healthy habits when sneezing or coughing.

The COVID-19 Supreme Committee hereby reminds all that the ban persists on organising all social events at public gathering areas, including Eid greeting gatherings and group celebrations.

The Committee also asserts that the ban persists on occasions of marriage arrangements and funerals at mosques, halls and other public areas. It urges all to comply with all the decisions and never to let go of precautionary and protection measures.