Extra caution urged as Sultanate celebrates Eid al Adha today

MUSCAT: The Sultanate is celebrating Eid al Adha on Friday even as the Supreme Committee has urged members of society, both citizens and residents, to be extra cautious during the Eid holidays and to minimise their movement as far as possible during daytime and not to visit any public place.

The committee has also reminded all to avoid all

sorts of family and social gatherings as it has been scientifically proven that gatherings can cause the spread of COVID-19 among a large number of people.

“No public prayers or any congregational prayers can be held on Eid day or during Eid holidays as this will amount to violation of the instructions and the law of the land. Hence, all are requested to pray inside their homes with their immediate family members in attendance,” Abdurahiman al Khalili, Head of the Department of Islam and Culture at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, told the

Failing to abide by the instructions in the present pandemic situation will attract legal consequences and those who violate its decisions will be sternly dealt with, according to the Supreme Committee.

“The Supreme Committee appreciates the great commitment to the decisions by citizens and expatriates which will, God willing, protect the individuals and society in general from the infection and its adverse health complications,” a statement, issued after the meeting held on Monday, said.

Strict social distancing should be maintained throughout the Eid days and holidays and none is supposed to visit any public place, touristic destination, beach or park.

Also, all the rules and regulations of the night lockdown are in force and all are expected to follow the lockdown rules as well.

The lockdown is the total ban on movement between governorates and closure of all public places and commercial stores from 7 pm to 6 am, which took effect from July 25 until August 8.