Covid: All shops to close at 8pm, schools go online in Oman

All commercial activities across the Sultanate of Oman have been ordered to close from 8pm to 5am, starting March 4 to March 20.

Authorities also approved the continuation of distance learning for a week — from March 7 to March 11 — for students in public schools.

The Supreme Committee said these necessary measures were taken for the people’s safety against the Covid-19 outbreak, especially the new strain.

While restaurants, cafes and home delivery services will need to adhere to the new precautionary restrictions, authorities clarified that gas stations, health institutions and private pharmacies will be exempted from the aforementioned restrictions.

The decision to continue with e-learning for students will be subject to evaluation based on any updates of the situation.

The Supreme Committee emphasised the gravity of the situation in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, both in Oman and across the world.

It urged members of the public to adhere to mandatory preventive measures to protect their families, especially older people, children and people with chronic health issues.

Oman’s Ministry of Health has confirmed 141,808 total cases with 94 per cent having recovered as of March 1. The death toll reached 1,577.