Abu Dhabi outlines safety measures for Ramadan 2021

Abu Dhabi has announced a set of preventive measures for the holy month of Ramadan to protect public health and preserve safety.

The general precautionary and preventive measures, approved by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre,  include the mandatory wearing of face masks in public spaces – especially near individuals from vulnerable groups – avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth before washing hands, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of it immediately after use.

The measures also include regularly sanitising hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or washing well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched items and surfaces and keeping a physical distance of at least two metres.

Religious practices
The committee approved measures relating to religious activities, recommending that Covid-19 patients should consult a doctor before fasting, while group Iftar and Suhur gatherings should be limited to family members who live under the same roof.

Iftar meal donations are allowed through online distribution platforms, while offering and distributing meals in public areas, including in front of homes, mosques and restaurants, is prohibited, except by authorised entities.

Measures also include allowing congregational prayers in mosques for men per precautionary measures, with the duration of Isha and Tarawih prayers not exceeding 30 minutes. Paying zakat and alms donations can be done online through the websites of various charities. Religious studies lectures and Holy Quran recital sessions are also to be offered online.

Social activities 
The committee approved measures relating to social activities – Ramadan greetings and wishes are to be extended through online communication platforms instead of physical gatherings or attending majlis. Family and friends should gather virtually during Ramadan nights instead of physically at gatherings or at home visits.

Individuals and entities are prohibited from setting up Ramadan Iftar tents, while mass gatherings, home visits, and setting up other Ramadan tents, whether by entities or individuals, are also prohibited. Distributing and exchanging meals between neighbours, families and friends is not allowed as well.

Individuals from the most vulnerable groups should reduce their interactions with others by avoiding gatherings and unnecessary outings, and Ramadan night gatherings in majlises should also be avoided. Intensified inspection and monitoring campaigns will be conducted to ensure compliance with precautionary measures.

Shopping
The committee has approved measures for shopping during the month of Ramadan, including minimisation of visits to grocery stores and other shops to buy essential household items, and, if it is necessary to shop in-person, avoid peak hours.

Customers must opt to shop online for basic items, and those who shop in person must carefully disinfect the handles of shopping trolleys, and not touch products they won’t purchase. Disinfectant wipes must be used to clean items bought after arriving at home, and carefully wash fruits and vegetables.

The measures also state that is it safer to choose to pay electronically, whether by card or through mobile payment apps, and to choose to use escalators or stairs whenever possible, instead of elevators. Individuals from the most vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens and those with chronic diseases, should avoid going shopping.