More ‘family time’ amid COVID-19 night curfew as ROP thanks public for support

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the way families live, has brought some good news in Oman. People who are staying at home are turning crisis into opportunity by spending more time with their families and developing more fruitful relationships.

With night curfew on, many parents are happy to be able to spend more time at home with their children and say it was something that had been neglected until now due to daily rush.

Oman is currently into a second two-week night lockdown prohibiting movement, and closure of all public places and commercial outlets from 8pm to 5am every night until October 24.

While some say the lockdown offers a variety of opportunities for parents to improve their relations with their children, who in most cases go out in the evening to meet their friends, others say homes are now filled with joy.

“Due to the curfew, we get to see each other more often and spend more time with our children. My bond with my children has increased a lot as we do many things together during this time. I am glad both my sons, who are in their 20s, are home by 8pm now. We sit and discuss

ABDULLAH NASSER

many issues pertaining to our family,” said 66 year old Abdullah Nasser, a retired oil sector employee.

The curfew is also said to be time for couples to foster and mend their relationships.

“We both work and now we are at home by 8pm; we get enough time together as husband and wife. We also get to do all things together and I think by doing so we develop a stronger bond,” Samya al Naamani, private sector employee, said.

Brig Said bin Sulaiman al Asmi, director general of operations at Royal Oman Police (ROP), expressed his gratitude to citizens and residents who cooperate in implementing the decisions of the Supreme Committee.

“Some fines have been set for offenders who violate the lockdown or fail to wear masks in public places. The offenders will be apprehended, interrogated and made to sign undertakings to pay or face transfer to the Public Prosecution,” he said.

H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health, said these legal measures had been taken to stress the importance of following regulations during these testing times.

“Any person reported to have violated the night movement ban will be held accountable,” he said. The minister said people should report any violations.

“Reporting violations is a national duty,” he added.

My bond with my children has grown as we get to do many things together during this time. I am glad both my sons, who are in their 20s, are home by 8pm now