MUSCAT: The Supreme Committee said it has slowly decided to ease the restrictions imposed to check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oman despite the rise in new infections and urged the public to take the third dose to fight the virus.

On Wednesday evening, the committee decided to resume Friday prayers and maintain the daily five prayers “provided the number of worshippers does not exceed 50% in each mosque and in condition that all abide by the precautionary measures set in this regard.”

The committee also ended the “downsizing of staff” required to attend at the workplace in government offices. Among the other major decision, the committee also increased the capacity of halls allowed to conduct events from 50% to 20%.

Speaking to The Arabian Stories, a top economic expert welcomed the decision of the committee to resume major activities. “It’s a very welcome move especially when we are witnessing a remarkable economic recovery,” he said.

“The rise in daily infections is certainly a concern for any country. But the message by the government is very clear. They want to move forward with a positive mind and not back,” he added.

The committee also noticed that the percentage of third dose vaccination within the age of 12 and above age segment is still low and stands at a mere 9%, compared to 24% among expatriates.

Oman on Wednesday registered more than 2,300 cases and two deaths.

“The committee studied reports on the Covid-19 scenario indicating the flattening of the curve of positive cases and this supports the stable status of positive tests, despite a rise in number of people of admitted to Covid-19 wards or intensive care units,” the statement from the committee added.