Statement of the Supreme Committee
The COVID-19 Supreme Committee, within the framework of its continuous convening, has been observing the development of the pandemic, the precautionary procedures, and the means for limiting its spread. The Supreme Committee reviewed the reports regarding the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, which indicate a flattening of the curve of positive cases, a fact further supported by the stabilisation of the percentage of positive tests, notwithstanding the increase in the number of admitted patients in COVID-19 wards or ICU. In light of the foregoing, the Supreme Committee makes following decisions, which shall be implemented from the date of the publication of this statement:
First: Holding Friday prayers and continuing holding the five daily prayers provided that the number of worshippers does not exceed 50% of the capacity of the mosque, while taking all prescribed precautions in this regard.
Second: Ending the decision to reduce the number of employees required to attend workplaces in the administrative units of the state and other public legal persons. The Supreme Committee calls all entities to continue to undertake precautionary and preventive measures necessary to prevent the spread of the disease and to monitor the compliance of everyone to them.
Third: Permitting the operation of activity venues at 70% of their capacity provided that all attendees receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and the adherence to all preventive procedures and requirements.
Fourth: Permitting the holding of international and regional conferences and exhibitions as well as activities of a public nature, provided that organisers adhere to the requirements provided for practising such activities, especially the prohibition of exceeding 70% of the capacity of venues for such events.
Fifth: The Ministry of Education shall issue a statement regarding the specifics of school education for the second term of the academic year 2021-2022.
The Supreme Committee stresses the importance of the adherence of government and private entities to the requirement of vaccination as a condition for entry to all government units and private sector establishments including commercial complexes, restaurants, and other commercial activities, as well as the attendance of cultural and sports events and other public events.
The Supreme Committee urges all to fully adhere to precautionary measures such as wearing the masks in all closed places, maintaining social distances, avoiding crowded places and gatherings of all types, and maintaining the cleaning of hands. The committee also urges all citizens aged twelve years and older to take the initiative to receive the booster third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, as the percentage of those vaccinated in this age group remains low at 9% for Omanis compared to 25% for expatriates.