Oman is joining the rest of the world to celebrate Eid al Fitr today. Although there is a lack of festive enthusiasm, citizens and residents hold onto rejoicing the Eid, hoping to see a better tomorrow with no casualties from the Covid-19.
According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), no group prayers are allowed, nor is any gathering or greeting by hugging permitted. Everyone should limit the celebrations within their households.
"All are advised to abide by the decisions of the Supreme Committee on Covid-19 to check the spread of the pandemic. Any violation would invite stringent actions," the ROP sources said.
Accordingly, there's a strict 'no' to any gathering which used to be in the past. This norm is already in practice from the first day of the holy month. People assembling at other places like tents or public meeting areas is also prohibited.
"No Eid gatherings outside or inside the mosques or any other premises, no Eid prayers inside the mosques or outside will be allowed," the Supreme Committee on Covid-19 has said.
During the holy month, special night prayers, Taraweeh prayers or any other prayers or gathering were not allowed in any mosques in the country.
All the other Covid-19 precautions, like wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, avoiding handshakes are in place and violators will be booked under various sections, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has added.
There's a total nighttime movement ban till May 15 between 7 pm and 5 am besides a ban on all commercial activities, as is decided by the Supreme Committee.
However, health workers, emergency vehicles, and emergency services for electricity and water services only, workers in private hospitals and pharmacies during the night shift are exempted from 7 pm to 5 am during the lockdown.
"All these measures will not achieve the desired success unless all individuals and establishments abide by the instructions," the source further added.
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