MUSCAT: Nearly after five months, Oman’s iconic Muttrah Souq has reopened on Tuesday while adhering to the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Speaking to The Arabian Stories, traders who have shops at the Souq welcomed the news. “I am really happy. Finally, I will be able to run my business again. Thank you Supreme Committee,” said Sajeer, a businessman who has shops in Muttrah.

The Souq and its neighbourhood areas were shut since March 18 after the authorities declared Muttrah as a hotspot. To contain the spread of the virus, the whole area was closed. “We had to live with it for five months and everyday we waited to hear the good news from the Supreme Committee,” said Mohammed Al Balushi, a business owner.

With no income, most of the business owners in Muttrah were hit. “We had no other option than paying the rents and we had to deduct the salary of our staff. Some of us had to send back our expat employees because we has zero income. Finally, we’re ready to open the shops. It’s a great feeling. I was in tears when I heard the news,” Al Balushi added.