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Merge 104.8 | 01 July 2020
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) have clarified the circumstances surrounding images circulating on social media today [Wednesday, July 1] showing large crowds and queues of people at ROP service stations in Dhofar and Al Dhakiliyah and which drew a number of comments from
Speaking to Merge 104.8’s sister station Al Wisal, Major Mohammed bin Salam Al Hashami, Head of ROP Digital Media, confirmed the authenticity of the images in question, saying that people pictured at the service centres began arriving and lining up prior to the opening of the centres this morning, and gathering on the doorsteps.
Major Al Hashami stated that the images were taken and began circulating on social media ahead of opening hours and, that, since the start of operations today the gatherings had all but disappeared, and members of the public who were availing services at ROP centres showed respect for the laws surrounding the spread of COVID-19 in all governorates.
Major Al Hashami also stressed that there was compliance to all health and safety regulations and guidelines in all ROP centres — which were allowed to re-open today — and their surrounding areas. Al Hashami advised people to avoid going to ROP buildings or service centres that are visibly crowded and, where possible, try to go centres located in less crowded or populated areas.
He also advised the public to avoid going to ROP service centres for non-urgent transactions, such as passport application or renewal. Major Al Hashami also stated that there are many online services which the public can benefit from to save time and to avoid putting themselves at risk by going out.
(Also read: Oman: 100% alcohol tax to come into effect from today.)
