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Supermarkets, malls clueless on vaccination rule

25 Aug 2021

With a week to go before Oman implements a new rule demanding proof of vaccination in order to enter commercial complexes and restaurants, malls and supermarkets are clueless about the measures to be taken. They are yet to receive any guidelines from the government. 

While Oman has eased most of its COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, a new comes into effect starting September 1. On August 19, the Supreme Committee announced that proof of vaccination will be a mandatory requirement to enter government offices and private sector establishments, as well as to attend cultural, sports and group events. 

Muscat Daily asked a few supermarkets and malls how they were preparing to implement the decision on verifying and allowing entry to only vaccinated customers. 

On the condition of anonymity, an official of a mall in Bausher said, “We read in newspapers about the rule that vaccination is mandatory for entering  malls. So far we do not have any guidelines from the concerned authorities.” 

Two hypermarket officials echoed the same concern. “We are yet to receive official guidelines or a circular on how to implement the mandatory vaccination rule for entry,” said an officials of two hypermarkets in Ruwi. 

Hussain Namazi, store manager of Al Karama Hypermarket, informed that staff of all its branches are vaccinated to ensure their safety. 

“As far as we know, the mandatory vaccination rule to enter commercial establishments may only apply to malls, but as of now there is no clarity. We are awaiting clarity and guidelines from the authorities. We’ll implement whatever the authorities ask us to follow,” said Namazi.

 

(Text by Syed Fasiuddin)

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