MUSCAT: The Supreme Committee on Wednesday issued directions to close Muscat Governorate for 12 days, as part of precautions against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

All entry and exit points in Muscat Governorate will be closed from 10am on Friday, April 10, until 10am on Wednesday, April 22, with the continuation of checkpoints in all governorates.

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Meanwhile, all educational institutions will remain suspended until further notice. 

In an interview with Oman TV, Major Mohammed Al Hashmi of Royal Oman Police explained the details of the closure of Muscat governorate for 12-days.

1. Muscat governorate will be completely isolated from all other governorates. Individuals will not be allowed to enter or leave the governorate.
2. Movements of people will be restricted to grocery shopping and emergency only.
3. Movements will be facilitated for trucks, food supply and medical emergency.
4. There will be strict limits on the entry and exit of individuals.
5. Employees can go to work only if their work presence is required. They must carry the letter from the company. No other employees outside the governorate will be allowed.
6. There will be no entry for employees from outside Muscat unless the companies requests their entry.
7. The decision to close Muscat completely was taken based on the decision by the authorities investigating the epidemic. If there is a need to extend the closure, it will be based on the epidemiological investigations.
8. Food and ration commodities are sufficient for a long time and there will be follow-up by the competent authorities to provide all basic services, ration and food commodities.
9. Health services will be made available to all members of society in the Governorate of Muscat and will facilitate their movement to get health care.