MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has directed hotel establishments to work at 50% of their capacity in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the country.

In a decision issued on Thursday, the Ministry said the use of hotel facilities must be limited to in-house guests during the ban period with effective from July 16 until July 31. The Ministry has also excluded hotel and tourist establishments located in Musandam Governorate from the closure decision. The Ministry also said employees working in the hotel establishments must obtain a prior permit from their workplace to use during the closure period.

“Hotel and tourism establishments located in the Governorate of Dhofar must adhere to the preventive measures and not exceeding 50% of their room occupancy. This decision shall take effect starting from 5pm Friday July 9, 2021 until further notice,” the statement from the Ministry said.

The Ministry has also suspended the closure of wedding halls, lounges and gatherings until further notice.