Oman extends lockdown of Muscat; bans gatherings during Ramadan

The Supreme Committee for dealing with Covid-19 in Oman has announced the extension of the lockdown in Muscat until 10am on May 8, Times of Oman reported.

The current security measures and checkpoints that have been put in place in Muscat will continue till Friday, May 8, to try and curb the spread of the contagion.

In addition, the Supreme Committee said that no large-scale gatherings would be allowed during Ramadan, including assembling in public places for prayer.

“The committee stresses the importance of avoiding all gatherings during the Holy Month of Ramadan,” the committee said in a statement, and “affirms that the closure of mosques – even for Tarawih prayers – will continue, except for the call to prayer (Azaan).”

“Ramadan gatherings, such as iftar in mosques, tents or public majlises and social, cultural, sports and other group activities are strictly prohibited.”

The sultanate recorded 106 new Covid-19 cases, Oman News Agency reported on April 22.

Of the newly diagnosed cases, 35 were Omanis while 71 were expatriates.

The total number of cases registered in the country stands at 1,614. As many as eight deaths have been recorded in the country.