NO ROP SERVICES FROM TODAY; MONEY EXCHANGES CLOSED

MUSCAT: As the Sultanate registered 3 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday taking the total to 55, the Supreme Committee announced more measures to curb the spread of virus transmission. The MOH said that 17 patients have recovered from the infection.

The Royal Oman Police said all services related to civil status, passports, the residency will be closed until further notice from Monday.

Following are the decision of the Supreme Committee, which will come into force on Monday:

Reduce the number of employees in government workplaces to not more than 30 percent of the total number to complete the necessary work, while the rest work from home as determined by the authority where the employee works.

Heads of the units must take the necessary measures to ensure that the core business is not affected by the reduction of staff and to take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

Ban on all kinds of gatherings in public places, and take appropriate measures against violators.

Closure of customer service halls in all public and private institutions. Use electronic services wherever possible.

Closure of money exchanges, provided that the banks provide the exchange services while taking the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

Stoppage of printing, distribution, and sale of newspapers, magazines and other publications of all kinds, and ban on sale and distribution of publications issued outside the Sultanate. The committee urged the private sector to develop an appropriate mechanism for workers to work remotely and to reduce the number of employee at office. It also urges merchants, commercial institutions and individuals to limit dealing in cash, and to use electronic payment as an alternative as banknotes are carriers of communicable diseases. The Committee reiterates its call for everybody to strictly adhere to these decisions and recommendations for the public interest.

The ROP published a list of venues for selfservice kiosks for printing vehicle license smart cards in cooperation with Omantel, which can be accessed 24/7.

The venues are Omantel stores in Al Khoudh, Al Amerat, and Ibra. The other venue is Nizwa Grand Mall.