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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 22 May 2022

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Note: The following text is a public domain translation published by the Official OmanVsCovid19 Twitter account.

Statement of the Supreme Committee

In the framework of its continuous session, the Supreme Committee on COVID-19 has followed up the recent developments of the pandemic and measures to curb its spread. The Supreme Committee examined the epidemiological situation in the Sultanate of Oman in light of the latest data on the disease and the current figures of infections and hospitalized patients in hospitals and Intensive Care Units, which show a gradual decline of the pandemic. Therefore, the Committee decided the following:

1. Lifting all precautionary measures in all places and for all activities.

2. Community members shall continue their adherence to a precarious healthy lifestyle.

3. Persons suffering from fever or any respiratory symptoms shall stay at home and not to be in contact with others, while adhering to wearing face masks in case of contatcting them.

4. Urging everyone, especially the elderly, who suffer from chronic diseases and those with immunodeficiency, to adhere to wearing masks in closed places.

5. Encouraging citizens and residents to receive the booster dose of the vaccine.

The Committee thanks the citizens and residents for their cooperation and commitment to the precautionary measures and instructions, as they played a major role in achieving these positive developments.

 May Allah Almighty protect everyone from all harm.  

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 24 April 2022

Arabic

Supreme Committee Statement

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.

On the occasion of the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the supreme committee is honoured to express its utmost greetings and blessings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik—may Allah protect him—and also greets the Omani nation and the residents of this blessed land as well as Arab and Muslim nations on this special occasion, asking Allah the Almighty to make this special month a month of health, wellness, and blessings to our special country and the whole world.

The committee has been briefed on the current epidemiological state of the COVID-19 pandemic domestically and internationally, which indicates—thanks to Allah—a continuation in the reduction of the confirmed and hospitalised cases in the Sultanate of Oman, notwithstanding the return of the increase in the number of infections in some countries during the past few days, and in light of the continuation of this pandemic, the close arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, in the realisation of Islam’s mercy in protecting and preserving lives, and in hope of protecting the gains achieved during the previous period, the committee makes the following decisions, which shall be followed during the holy month of Ramadan:

First: Limiting the attendance of Jama’a prayers, including Taraweeh prayers, to those who have taken the COVID-19 vaccinations, and preventing those who are not vaccinated from entry, including children younger than twelve years of age.

Second: Continuing the ban on holding charity group iftar (Iftar Sa’im) in mosques and other public venues such as tents and public halls. Charity groups, relevant private establishments, and other civil society organisations may distribute iftar meals to the beneficiaries without holding gatherings.

Third: Continuing precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and social distancing in closed places, including mosques.

The committee confirms the continuation of the operation of the activities of venue halls, and international and local conferences and exhibitions as well as activities of a mass nature at 70% of their capacity. It also calls anyone who exhibits any respiratory symptoms to avoid attending Jama’a prayers and gatherings of all kinds to protect himself and his community. It also urges nationals and residents to quickly take the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those who have completed six months from taking the second dose, in order to enhance both individual and community immunity.

May Allah protect all from harm.

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 29 March 2022

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Note: The following text is a public domain translation published by the Official OmanVsCovid19 Twitter account.

Statement of the Supreme Committee

As part of its ongoing convening, the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic followed up recent updates about the pandemic and reviewed means of protection against the disease and ways to curb the spread of the virus.

Upon the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, Covid-19 Supreme Committee took the opportunity to greet His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Omani citizens and residents in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the Arab people and Islamic nation. The panel wished all good health and abundant bounties and blessings.

The Supreme Committee studied the epidemiological situation in the local front and international arena. It noted the decline in cases of infection and hospitalization in the Sultanate of Oman at a time the rates of Covid-19 infections are again picking up in some countries of the world.

As the pandemic persists worldwide upon the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and, in realization of Islam’s edicts calling for safeguarding human life and, to maintain the gains made over the past period, Covid-19 Supreme Committee took the following decisions which, it said, have to be endorsed throughout Ramadan:

– First: Attendance at Taraweeh congregational prays has to be exclusively limited to worshippers who received two-dose vaccination against Covid-19. Unvaccinated people, including children aged below 12 years, are prohibited to enter the mosques during the said period.

– Second: Mass gatherings for charity breakfast meals (Iftar Sa’im) continue to be banned in mosques and other public places, including tents and public assembly halls. Charity teams and private establishments concerned, including civil society institutions, may distribute the meals to target beneficiaries, but without organising gatherings.

– Third: All members of the public have to continue observing precautionary protective measures, including wearing face masks and maintaining physical distance in closed areas, including mosques.

Covid-19 Supreme Committee also underscores the need to continue operation of collective activity venues—like halls, conference places, local and international exhibitions and other mass activity areas—to a maximum of 70% capacity of the said venues.

In the meantime, the committee urged all those who feel any symptoms of Covid-19 infection to avoid attending congregational prayers or entering public gathering areas, to help protect themselves and their society.

The panel also advised Omani citizens and residents in Oman to take the Covid-19 booster dose as soon as possible, notably those whose second dose vaccination lasted more than 6 months. It added that the booster dose would bolster individual and communal immunity.

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 28 February 2022

Arabic

Supreme Committee Statement

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 the number of positive tested cases, the number of admitted patients in ICU as well as wards, and the total number of COVID-19 inpatients. In light of the foregoing, the Supreme Committee has made the following decisions that shall be implemented from tomorrow Tuesday 27 Rajab 1443 corresponding to 1 March 2022:

First: Permitting entry into the Sultanate of Oman to those who receive two doses of any of the vaccinations approved in the Sultanate of Oman without the need for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19.

Second: Continuing the mandatory wearing of face masks in closed places only.

Third: Permitting the operation of hotel establishments at 100% of their capacity.

The Supreme Committee also decided to resume direct teaching at 100% in all educational levels, while adhering to all precautionary health measures, starting from Sunday 6 March 2022.

The Committee affirms the requirement of activities of event venues, tents, and organisers of international and local conferences and exhibitions, as well as mass events to continue at 70% of their capacity, provided that all approved precautionary measures and requirements are adhered to.

It also affirms its continuous follow-up on the local and international developments of the pandemic, and that it will take the appropriate measures in line with the developments of the pandemic.

May Allah protect all from harm.

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 9 February 2022

Arabic

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.

May Allah the Almighty protect all from harm.

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 21 January 2022

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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.

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 12 January 2022

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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.

Mey Allah Almighty Protect All From Harm

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 26 December 2021

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Note: The following text is a public domain translation published by the Official OmanVsCovid19 Twitter account.

Statement of the Supreme Committee

The Supreme Committee on COVID-19 held a meeting today to follow up the developments of the pandemic, measures to contain it and ways to avoid its spread, as well as dealing with its various effects.

The Committee has reviewed the epidemiological situation of COVID-19, locally and globally, in light of the latest data indicating an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in many countries, with a noticeable lack of adherence to the precautionary measures.

In order to protect the society from this pandemic and to maintain the healthcare system ability in the Sultanate to deal with this disease, the Committee has decided the following, which shall come into force from the publication of this statement until the January 31, 2022:

I. At least two doses of an approved vaccine shall be taken by non-Omanis of 18-year old and above in order to enter the Sultanate of Oman from all ports.

II. Entry to the Sultanate of Oman is allowed to those who present a negative PCR certificate for COVID-19 upon arrival, provided that the test is done within a maximum period of 72 hours.

III. Canceling the decision to suspend entry to the Sultanate of Oman from the previously announced countries of the new variant, namely: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique.

The Committee also emphasizes that vaccination shall be taken to be able to enter public and private institutions, while adhering to the preventive measures, such as not allowing those who suffer from respiratory symptoms to come to the workplace or enter the institution. It also stresses the need to adhere to preventive measures in workplaces and other places, such as wearing face masks, keeping physical distancing, washing hands, staying away from gatherings and unauthorized crowding, and avoiding physical greetings such as shaking hands and hugging.

May Allah Almighty protect everyone from all harm.

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 20 December 2021

Arabic

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COVID-19 Supreme Committee

COVID-19 Supreme Committee Decision of 15 December 2021

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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 address developments caused by Covid-19 in the Sultanate, Supreme Committee has reviewed the reports on the epidemiological situation of the pandemic locally and globally, particularly with regard to the rapid spread of the new variant Omicron in some countries, including the Sultanate. And due to the leniency shown by some members of the community in adhering to the decisions and measures set to halt further spread of the pandemic when holding social events, prominently; requiring to get vaccinated with two doses of a vaccine, wearing a face mask, practising physical distancing, and operating at the maximum permissible capacity at the event venues, the Supreme Committee decided to ban marriage declaration ceremonies and condolence visits held in mosques, halls or any other public setting. The committee reiterates the continuity of the ban on all events and gatherings in public Majlises. The decision is into force at the time of its issue and will be valid until further notice. The concerned authorities will ensure proper implementation of it and take legal necessary measures against violators.

May Allah Almighty protect everyone from all harm.