Vote for song
Merge 104.8 | 09 June 2020
Oman’s Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) has announced 48 new commercial activities allowed to re-open upon directives of the Supreme Committee for COVID-19.
In a statement issued today [Tuesday, June 9], the Supreme Committee, in cooperation with the public and private sector, announced a decision to re-open a new batch of commercial and industrial businesses in the Sultanate starting from tomorrow [Wednesday, June 10].
As per further details issued by the MRMWR, 48 new commercial activities have been added to the list of those allowed to operate, provided that 2-metre social distancing between individuals is maintained.
— Key-making shops
— Shops that sell shoes
— Shops that repair and tailor shoes
— Jewelry shops
— Goldsmiths shops
— Herbal medicine shops
— Transaction offices
— Offices for translation services
— Photography shops
— Shops that sell and install vehicle windscreens
— Decoration services shops
— Household utensils and kitchenware shops
— Shops that sell tailoring supplies and equipment
— Shops that sell or buy used items
— Shops that sell or repair motorcycles and bicycles
— Digital printing shops
— Calligraphy studios/shops
— Businesses that manufacture paper/plastic products
— Shops that manufacture glass
— Shops that sell pictures and frames
— Shops that sell security and safety products
— Shops that sell or repair vehicle air conditioning units and exhausts
— Used car showrooms
— Businesses that manufacture cooking equipment
— Shops that sell paints for vehicles
— Furniture shops
— Billing service offices
— Shops that sell household accessory items
— Shops that sell sports clothing and equipment
— Shops that sell cosmetics
— Shops that sell abayas
— Shops that sell ready-made clothes
— Shops that sell traditional Omani dress
— Children’s clothing shops
— Shops that sell artificial grass
— Shops that sell perfumes
— Shops that offer carpet-cleaning services
— Shops that sell and install wallpaper
— Shops that customize curtains
— Shops that sell kids toys
— Shops and factories that sell ‘fukhar’ clay products
— Gift shops
— Shops that sell leather products and bags
— Carpet shops
— Offices that register commercial brands and patents
— Shops that rent out construction equipment
— Telecommunication companies’ service centres
— Car accessory shops
— Shops that sell camel and equestrian supplies
All businesses permitted to re-open must adhere to the following regulations for health and safety against the spread of COVID-19:
1. Employees must adhere to the following instructions:
— Washing their hands regularly with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
— Avoid touching their eyes, mouth, and nose with un-washed hands, or after touching any surface.
— Ensure that they cover their nose and mouth with a tissue, or with their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
— Refrain from shaking hands and maintain a distance of at least 2 metres between others.
— Refrain from sharing personal equipment such as helmets, face-masks, or gloves with others.
2. Businesses allowed to operate must also ensure good ventilation inside the shop or retail space at all times.
3. A minimum of 2 metres distance must be kept between employees at all times.
4. A minimum of 2 metres distance must be kept between customers and employees at all times, with transparent barriers installed if needed.
5. A log of all customers must be kept by employees to track the number of entrances in the morning and evenings.
6. Businesses must work towards using electronic systems to reduce human contact.
7. Businesses must ensure that customers don’t spend any more time inside the shop or retail outlet than is necessary.
8. Refrain from moving employees from one branch to another.
9. Personal protective equipment (face-masks and sanitizers) must be provided for each employee.
10. Employees must be encouraged on the importance of sanitizing all their personal and shared equipment such as phones or computers.
11. Employees should be checked daily for symptoms of COVID-19 — such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath and other flu-like symptoms before entering the shop. In case symptoms are present, the employee will not be allowed to enter and should be guided to the nearest health centre.
12. In situations where a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in an employee, that employee shall follow quarantine procedures, along with those who have been in direct contact with them.
13. Companies must increase the cleaning of housing and accommodation for labour workers and ensure that common surfaces such as tables and door-handles a thoroughly sanitized.
14. Companies must provide suitable accommodation for workers so that they can maintain a minimum of 2 metres social distancing at all times.
(Also read: #BREAKING: Lockdown announced in Dhofar, other tourism areas in Oman.)
