With a rise in COVID-19 cases particularly in Muscat, the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling the developments of novel Coronavirus pandemic, has decided to place Muscat under lockdown from April 10 to April 22.
Due to the increase in the number cases of infection in different parts of the Sultanate, particularly in the Wilayat of Muttrah, which has been locked down since April 1, the committee decided to lock down Muscat Governorate through the activation of control checkpoints with effect from 10 am on April 10 to 10 am on April 22, along with the continued operation of control checkpoints, according to the Supreme Committee meeting chaired by HE Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior. The lockdown comes in the wake of 48 new COVID-19 cases being reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections across the country to 419, including 72 recoveries and two deaths.
The Supreme Committee also decided to maintain the suspension of study in all educational institutions in Oman until further notice. At the same, the committee underscored the significance of efforts to continue education through portals and digital platforms. The committee appreciated the efforts exerted by Omani diplomatic missions and cultural attaché offices abroad to facilitate the repatriation of citizens particularly students.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has urged the public to adhere to the precautionary measures and home quarantine instructions. “With our commitment to health instructions, quarantine measures and social distancing, we will prevent ourselves, our families, and our community from the spread of coronavirus,” the ministry said in a statement.
“All the entry and exits of Muscat Governorate will be closed for all with the exception of emergency cases, which will be evaluated and determined by the authorities in charge of the implementation of the lockdown,” a Royal Oman Police (ROP) spokesperson said. A decision to extend or suspend the lockout of Muscat Governorate will be made after evaluating the epidemiological situation and the nature of the outbreak on April 22, the official said.
