All shops shut as Oman registers 11 new cases

The government on Monday announced more stringent measures including closure of all commercial establishments across the Sultanate to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

In line with the decisions of the Supreme Committee to monitor coronavirus outbreak in the country, regional municipalities have decided to suspend regular operations of all shops to prevent public gatherings from Monday.

All shops which sell foodstuff and groceries, clinics, pharmacies, optical stores, restaurants and cafes outside malls (delivery services only) and gas stations are exempted from the decision. Regional municipalities have appealed to all citizens and residents to strictly abide by the government rules to combat coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday registration of 11 new confirmed cases.

Nine of the new cases are linked to travel and contact infection, while two are under investigation. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases registered in the Sultanate to 66.

The ministry said that 17 cases have recovered.

The ministry called upon all to adhere to quarantine procedures. The ministry also advised citizens and residents to keep washing hands with water and soap, as well as avoiding touching the face, nose, mouth and eyes, and follow healthy habits while coughing and sneezing.

Full adherence to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the ministry is further required.

In another development, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued directives to malls and shops as part of the measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including consumers should be allowed to enter only in batches.

There should be a safe distance of 2 metres between one customer and the other at the billing counters.

All shopping carts and surfaces should be sterilised. Consumers should be provided with sterilisers at all times.

The ministry called on consumers to follow some steps to reduce the transmission of virus. Only one individual from a family should do shopping.

— Reuters A woman wears a protective mask during the coronavirus lockdown imposed by the Belgian government in an attempt to slow down the disease in Brussels.