COVID-19 pandemic: Outdoors fun as public spaces reopen in Oman

Muscat: Locals and expats in the country were able to enjoy a more memorable weekend than they’ve had in a while, owing to the reopening of parks and beaches.
The Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 recently announced the reopening of a number of public spaces, including cinemas, and the expansion of a many other economic activities, such as hotels, gyms, barber shops and beauty salons, a move that was welcomed by many in Oman.

“To go to the park or beach every week is a regular practice for us,” said Sulaiman Al Hosni, an Omani national from Barka. “We spend the entire day there. It is a great way for us to connect as a family and for the children to play. When the lockdown was announced, and many public places were closed, our children kept asking my wife and I when they could go.

“We explained to them the situation around the pandemic, and of course, they knew what was happening, but we are glad we are able to go back to the outdoors now,” he added. “The measures were taken to save people’s lives, which is an extremely important precaution taken by our government, and I would ask everyone in the country to remain cautious while they enjoy the facilities once again made available to them.”

While many areas that were temporarily closed during the pandemic have indeed reopened, those visiting them are required to observe a number of practices to stop the spread of the coronavirus. These include maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, sanitising, and observing proper health and hygiene practices to ensure everyone’s safety.

“It’s been great for us to go out again,” said Natasha Philips, an expat in the country. “It has come at a very welcome time, because we spent a majority of this year staying at home to protect our family from exposure to the virus.

“I understand, of course, why the government did close many of these areas, and I would like to thank them for putting people’s health at the very front of their measures,” she said. “Oman has always been a great place to live, and this has only gone a step further in confirming that.

“The decision to return outdoors will come as a welcome relief to everyone, but I would ask people to not take undue advantage of the relaxed rules,” added Philips. “Doing so will only increase the chances of exposure to the virus by you and your family members, as well as everyone around you, which will undo all of the good work the authorities have done, and the sacrifices all of us have made to flatten the curve.”