UAE increases capacity at mosques, ablution areas to remain closed

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE government has announced that authorities will increase the capacity of worshippers at mosques all across the country after community members’ commitment to COVID-19 protocols over the past few months.   

The official spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri during a media briefing on the latest development on Coronavirus said, "As part of efforts to achieve sustainable recovery in all sectors, we announce the update of the protocol for reopening mosques and chapels in the country.

“It will be allowed to reduce the distance between worshipers from two metres to one and a half metres.”

The authorities said that places for ablution would remain closed.

The authorities said that for funeral prayer, only fifty people will be allowed to perform the prayer, stressing that the death case is not related to infection with Covid-19.

Dhaheri stressed that the UAE has adopted successful measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, as it has implemented the best plans and strategies according to studies and research conducted by all concerned sectors.

He said, “We are aware that the societal role, awareness and commitment to implementing all preventive and precautionary measures is critical to preserving all that the state has achieved."

The authorities said that it is important to be aware that the gradual opening up and a return to a new normal life requires all of us to share the responsibility to preserve everyone's health and enhance the state's achievements to contain the pandemic and reach recovery.