The Sultanate celebrated Eid al Adha on Tuesday amid familial precautionary measures and an exceptional condition after the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling the developments resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic imposed total lockdown during the Eid holidays.

What makes this year’s Eid exceptional is that the authorities have made the protection of lives as a top priority, hence banning all forms of gathering during the Eid holidays to avert further losses in human lives and reduce the daily caseload of Covid-19.

On the first day of Eid al Adha, citizens and residents exchanged greetings via phone and social media. The Eid congregational prayer has been banned in mosques and public squares for a second consecutive while some people performed the Eid prayer at homes.

All citizens and residents remained indoors since Monday evening in response to the call by the Supreme Committee.

No group prayer was held at any of the masjids and families offered Eid prayers in the comfort of their homes. Bachelors and labourers offered their Eid prayers inside their rooms as camp officials and company representatives served the staff with circulars advising them to remain indoors.

Authorities had earlier reminded the public of strict action against those who violate the lockdown rules and a fine of not less than RO 1,500 will be slapped against them. It has also urged people to avoid all sorts of familial and societal gatherings as it has been found that gatherings caused the spread of the virus among a large number of people.

"This fine of RO 1,500 against those who violate the lockdown rules is equally applicable to those who gather during the lockdown days. This is also applicable to weddings and individuals who participate in such gatherings," a statement from the Public Prosecution said.

The fine of RO 100 will be slapped against anyone who does not wear a mask in public places.

All public places including parks and beaches were closed and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) officials stood guard near the wadis and other water bodies to stop people from visiting them.

Roads wore a deserted look as few vehicles sped, while no pedestrian was spotted on the roads.

Oman imposed a total lockdown from July 20 till early morning of July 24 and movement of people between governorates is completely banned and a total closure of all public places and commercial stores during this period is in effect.

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