Muscat, The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic held a meeting today under the chairmanship of Sayyid Hamoud Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior.

Held at the Ministry of Interior, the meeting followed up updates about the pandemic, ways to curb its spread and means of addressing its different impacts.

The Committee studied reports on the local, regional and global epidemiological situation of the pandemic. Indicators point to the continuous propagation of the disease and the rapid rise in the number of new infections in countries around the world.

Despite the stability of the situation in the Sultanate of Oman, it is noticed that some individuals do not abide by the instructions issued by the authorities concerned.

Some individuals fail to observe procedures regulating social events like weddings parties, funeral ceremonies and other collective activities. The violations are shared by different venues that often ignore the two-dose condition for attending social events at mosques, wedding halls and public gathering areas where it is necessary to wear face masks and maintain physical distance and the venue’s capacity.

To protect society and avoid a spike in infection cases that might entail protective measures like suspension or ban on some activities, the Covid-19 Supreme Committee underscores the significance of compliance to all decisions and non-relaxation of precautionary guards.

Also, acting from its keenness to consolidate social protection, the Supreme Committee has endorsed the administration of a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to some segments of society that are highly vulnerable to the disease. The Ministry of Health will announce the target segments and the prescribed plan.

The Supreme Committee also approved the vaccination of children aged 5 to 12 years with effect from the first week of November 2021.

The Supreme Committee also decided to allow 100% physical attendance at schools for pupils of classes 5 to 11 in the Sultanate’s schools through the School Year 2021-2022 with effect from the beginning of November 2021. In this respect, the Supreme Committee stresses the importance of applying precautionary measures that include wearing face masks, noting that the situation will continue to be assessed on a regular basis.

Without prejudice to standard precautionary measures, the Supreme Committee also decided to allow the resumption of sales activities in traditional and popular markets, including auctions, hapta markets like pre-Eid souqs and open air trade.

Source: Oman News Agency