Picture used for illustration.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE authorities have decided to suspend all prayers in mosques, chapels, places of worship and their facilities throughout the country over coronavirus fears.  The decision starts from Monday March 16 at 9pm for four weeks in order to ensure the safety of individuals and the health of society.

The decision comes in implementation of the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the UAE in the face of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and a commitment to national and humanitarian responsibility and according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health and Community Protection and the fatwa of the Emirates Council for Legal Fatwa in coordination with the federal and local religious and health authorities.

The decision to suspend prayers in mosques, chapels, places of worship and their facilities will be reviewed four weeks from now.

The National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management and the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments called on citizens, residents and visitors alike to comply with this directive, which is in the interest of the homeland and community security and the health of its members in light of the current conditions in the world.