Both citizens and residents welcomed the withdrawal of restrictions, so they can venture out to the beaches and parks, visit shopping malls with their children, and dine out at their favourite joints at night.
Mohammed Shareef, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at Mazoon Diary, finds the measure a big relief but feels people should still follow social distancing norm.
“Life has now become adjusted to a closed door scenario and takes time to fully come back to previous lifestyle. Though children are allowed to go out, daughters prefer shopping, while boys still prefer to play video games and stay indoors,” he said.
People in general are of the opinion that everyone should follow the laid down pandemic protocols as the virus has not yet gone completely:
Ajay Khimji: “As long as all maintain Covid protocol it’s fine and people should follow guidelines given by the Supreme Committee. Self-care is important. Children are understanding since a year has passed for this new normal.”
Abeer al Balushi, Assistant Manager Corporate Communications, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Oman Air: “Easing restrictions is important for the well-being of individuals and helping businesses return to normal. However, while significant progress has been made so far in Oman on the vaccination programme, individuals and companies must continue to take a cautious approach and continue adhering to the Covid-19 measures.”
Ajay Ghanti, SARCO: “Now with the restrictions being removed, it would have a good positive impact socially, psychologically and economically on society as a whole and specially when it comes to children it would be a welcome news because the restrictions had confined them to their houses hence impacting their temperament and mental health which would now have a respite.”
Jinachandran, senior HR official: “In fact, people were eagerly looking forward to getting this big relief. However, as the numbers are still not contained, a bit more waiting would fetch better results in terms of curbing the spread, and people should be aware of this.”
Dr Rohil Raghavan, CEO, Burjeel Hospitals: “I am sure the children will welcome a life outside this literal home imprisonment. As long as they are aware of the modus of the spread of this virus, and are well educated on the Covid norms, it really is a welcome decision.”
Gayathri Narasimhan, special education expert: “I feel the government has taken into account the interests of everybody and has rightly lifted the ban in a phased manner. While we can enjoy visiting the shopping mall or the beach or the park, with the children, we should adhere to the advice given by the government to wear mask, sanitise hands and maintain social distancing.”
Dr J Retnakumar, insurance expert, and artist: “The great feeling of freedom that easing of restrictions brings in should be exercised with prudence. The whole family and society should be made aware of the importance of continuing precautions. Unnecessary travel and visits should be avoided even when rules are relaxed.”
Jose, Khimji Shipping: “This decision (lifting restrictions) will create momentum in the consumer market, which gives hope. Moving forward, when the government allows visitors with vaccination certificates to visit Oman, there will be a huge influx of tourists in Oman during school summer vacation.”
Dr George Leslie: “What we all took for granted is now what we are most grateful for. There is great joy for families and children to return to normal life. As a famous Seamus Heaney quote ‘if we can winter this now, we can summer anytime’ now is the time to enjoy life.”
Dr Baby Sam Samuel: “It is a positive step towards recovery that the government has lifted restrictions, and families are now allowed to visit malls and public spaces like beaches and parks. Also, as a step towards achieving new normalcy for all, we must support local businesses and communities.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
