Thanks to the fall in number of cases and rapid pace of vaccinations, the Sultanate is finally free of months of partial and full lockdowns. Whether it is the last of the series depends on the number of cases. But businessmen are upbeat as cases fall and vaccinations gather pace.
Many Omani and expatriate businessmen that the Observer spoke to just hoped that they had seen the last of lockdowns in the country.
The lifting of lockdowns, even with conditions, are important for businesses such as restaurants, cafes, street vendors and entertainment centres as most of the outings take place at late night in Muscat.
“Sheer survival has become difficult these days due to lockdowns. Now that more than half of the population has got vaccinated, I just hope we have seen the last of lockdowns. Our next hope is that tourists should return to Oman from the upcoming season, especially with the start of Expo 2020 and from cruise ships,” said a popular restaurant operator in Muttrah Seaside.
The partial night lockdown (limited to the closure of commercial activities) was introduced for the first time this year on March 25 between 8 pm and 5 am.
The reasons that led to that lockdown were mass gatherings and crowding at public places such as restaurants and malls, despite the health protocols put in place by the authorities.
Cases doubled between December 2020 and March this year when the country was relatively free of lockdowns at the time.
Full and partial lockdowns have continued since, including during the holy month of Ramadhan, Eid al Fitr, and Eid al Adha.
The ease of restrictions is important to ensure public health on the one hand and the continuity of business in all government units and private sector facilities.
The Royal Oman Police has been praised for its efforts to ensure the effectiveness of lockdowns by activating all check points, which were equally respected by citizens and residents.
Oman has joined the rest of the GCC of countries that eased restrictions since the beginning of this month.
Kuwait has decided to lift the evening closure of commercial activities and allow entry only for those who are vaccinated against Covid-19. It will open all activities for children from September 1.
Bahrain has opened malls, restaurants, cafes, and sports centers for everyone. The kingdom allows vaccinated individuals, those recovering from the virus, and children under 12 years old accompanied by a vaccinated person, to enter cinemas and organize events and conferences indoors.
Abu Dhabi emirate has ended a partial lockdown imposed in July as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants, the government’s media office said.
From August 1, Saudi Arabia has stopped people from entering its shopping malls unless they have been vaccinated against Covid -19.
