Hotels and resorts in the Sultanate have reported an increase in occupancy with people checking in to them for making most of the long holidays and weekends.
Speaking to the Observer, a representative of a leading hotel in Muscat said a 65 percent rise in their occupancy has been reported in the past few days and more guests would start checking in from Sunday or Monday.
"Our occupancy had dropped to as low as 10 percent owing to many factors including no tourist arrivals due to Covid restrictions. But with the holiday announcement and lockdown, our bookings went to as high as 65 percent which is unbelievable at a time like this pandemic," he said, adding that majority guests were families.
Hotels and apartments in Salalah too witnessed a sudden rise as Dhofar governorate was open to visitors who have taken the vaccine against the coronavirus. The sudden demand for rooms has resulted in an unprecedented price hike as well. Incidentally, apartments that were sold for as low as RO15 or so jumped to RO25 and above.
"We are planning to visit Salalah in the coming days and have a booking for an apartment. The deal was good and we look forward to an amazing experience," Jayakumar and his family said.
RETURN HOME ON TIME
Meanwhile, the extended lockdown which started on Friday saw people trying to finish their daily chores and driving home before 5pm. All commercial outlets, supermarkets, and hypermarkets have revised their timings from 6 am to 3.30 pm in view of the extended lockdown. The authorities have urged people to finish their outdoor activities on time so as to get home before the lockdown begins.
"People should finish their shopping or meetings outside and get home on time. Sufficient time for the road should be kept so that one shouldn't have to rush at the last moment and put his and others' lives in danger," an ROP official said.
TAKE PRECAUTION
However, people have been urged to follow the lockdown rules as the measure is aimed at safeguarding the people from virus infection and protecting their lives, the authorities have warned.
"If the people can stick to the Covid-19 protocols and precautionary measures in letter and spirit, it will reduce the stress on the healthcare system," says Dr Benny Panakkan, Medical Director at Badr Samaa Hospitals.
"Even now hospitals are full, ICUs are packed with no beds being available to cater to the ever-increasing number of seriously ill patients. We need to continue all precautions till our population gains adequate immunity by getting fully vaccinated."
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
