Year: 2022
Statement of the Supreme Committee
Within the framework of its continuous session, the Supreme Committee on COVID-19 has followed up the developments of the pandemic, its preventive measures and ways to curb its spread.
The Committee has been also briefed on reports related to the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 at the local level, which indicate a sharp increase in the number of infections, especially with “Omicron” mutant, as well as an escalating increase in the number of inpatients in COVID- 19 wards and intensive care units in hospitals in various governorates. Based on the available data, a further increase in the number of COVID-19 infections and inpatients is expected. Therefore, in order to protect members of society, especially children who have not yet received vaccination, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, and in an effort to maintain the health system’s capabilities to deal with this pandemic and provide other health services, the Committee has decided the following, which shall come into effect as of Sunday, January 2022, 23 for a period of two weeks:
Reducing the number of employees in units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus and other public legal persons to 50% of the total number of employees, provided that employees, who are required not to go to workplaces, perform their duties remotely.
I. Postponing the holding of all conferences and exhibitions.
II. Postponing any activity that requires physical audience attendance or holding them without a physical audience attendance, provided that the participants adhere to all required controls such as proof of receiving vaccination and other controls.
III. Suspending the Friday prayers, while continuing the daily five prayers in mosques, provided that 50% of the total capacity shall be maintained in accordance with the controls set forth by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
IV. The Supreme Committee urges all institutions permitted to carry out their activities, especially restaurants, cafes and commercial complexes to adhere to the requirements set for such activities, namely maintaining a maximum of 50% of the total capacity, requiring proof of vaccination and wearing masks, along with other controls.
The Supreme Committee emphasizes that it continuously reviews its decisions based on the epidemiological situation, and takes appropriate decisions according to those data. The Committee also stresses on the importance of taking the required vaccinations and booster doses, as well as the need to continue adhering to the precautionary measures established by the competent authorities, whether in residence, work or public places.
May Allah Almighty Protect Everyone From All Harm.
Ratified by Royal Decree 4/2022.
We, Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman
after perusal of the Basic Statute of the State,
Royal Decree 47/2012 Appointing an Advisor for Studies and Research in the Diwan of Royal Court,
and in pursuance of public interest,
have decreed as follows
Article I
Dr Ali bin Qassim bin Jawad Al-Lawati is hereby appointed President of the Royal Academy of Management with his same financial grade.
Article II
This decree must be published in the Official Gazette, and comes into force on the date of its issuance.
Issued on: 10 Jumada Al-Thani 1443
Corresponding to: 13 January 2022
Haitham bin Tarik
Sultan of Oman
Note: The following text is a public domain translation published by the Official OmanVsCovid19 Twitter account.
Statement of the Supreme Committee
Within its continuous sessions held to introduce measures to halt further spread of Covid-19 in the Sultanate, the Supreme Committee has reviewed the reports on the epidemiological situation of the pandemic locally and globally, and the progression of the illness as showed by the epidemic curve in the Sultanate, together with the evidence indicating the existence of Omicron variant, which has caused a rise of cases and hospitalised patients.
Further data from primary healthcare centres denote the prevalence of respiratory infections in all governorates, prominently among children 5 to 12 years due to the wide and rapid spread of respiratory infections in general, including Covid-19 among this unvaccinated group.
Therefore, intending to protect the local community from this pandemic, and to safeguard the capability of the healthcare system, the Supreme Committee decided to shift education for the first cycle classes in all schools in the Sultanate to distance learning, for a period of four weeks, starting from Sunday, January 16, 2022.
The Supreme Committee still stresses the need to abide by the precautions and urges establishments which were allowed to carry out their activities not to exceed 50% of their capacity, and to verify vaccination of visitors and commitment to preventive measures such as; wearing face masks and practicing social distancing, especially in activities that require gathering of people, as in commercial centres, exhibitions, conferences, event halls, and sport facilities.