MUSCAT: The decision of the Supreme Committee to impose a full lockdown including a complete closure of commercial activities and a ban on movement of individuals and vehicles has come into effect at 5pm today.

In a statement issued by the Oman News Agency said the full lockdown will be throughout the day and will end at 4am on Saturday, July 24.

This is the first complete pandemic lockdown the country has imposed since the outbreak of the virus.

However, the evening closure of commercial activities and the ban on movement of individuals and vehicles will continue from July 24 between 5pm to 4am until July 31.

Meanwhile, Wilayat of Sur has been exempted from full-lockdown for two days due to heavy rains and floods.

In a statement issued, the committee said it has decided to allow the movement of individuals and also allowed the opening of food stores, bakeries, restaurants, building materials stores, electrical and sanitary materials, and fodder stores in Wilayat of Sur from 7am until 5pm on Tuesday (July 20) and Wednesday (July 21).

Sur has been battered by days of heavy rain and floods. The decision will also allow various work teams to practice their work during this period in coordination with the Ministry of Social Development.