UAE updates Covid-19 protocols for mosques, prayer rooms

Officials in the UAE have announced updated Covid-19 protocols protocol for mosques and prayer areas, in cooperation with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowment.

Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesman of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), said on Wednesday that imams and cleaning staff of mosques should be vaccinated, undergo a PCR test every 14 days and register on the Al Hosn app. They should avoid being present in mosques if they have symptoms of the virus.

The updated protocols include the opening of prayer areas on external roads, places of ablution and women’s prayer areas too.

Workers in mosques and prayer areas must print guideline flyers about the precautionary measures in Arabic, English and Urdu.

#NCEMA: Today, we announce the protocol for the resumption of prayers in mosques, in coordination with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/FdquChebg2

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 9, 2021

In addition to the opening of ablution areas, it stipulates that a closed ablution tub must be in place between two open tubs, and toilet paper must be provided, while direct contact between ablution areas and mosques must be prevented.

“The protocol also stipulates the necessity of cleaning and sanitising toilets and ablution areas before every prayer, along with respecting a 1.5-metre physical distancing between worshippers,” said Dr. Al Dhaheri.

Mosques will be closed after prayers and no one will be allowed to stay inside.

With regards to the use of toilets and restrooms, the administrations of mosques must have cleaning staff available at all times, sanitisers should be available at the exits of ablution areas and everyone should sanitise their hands after ablution.

Cleaning staff are required to clean and sanitise areas of ablution and toilets after the end of ablution.

Relevant authorities will monitor any violations by people coming for prayers, as well as ensure the cleaning and sanitisation of ablution areas and toilets before every prayer.

According to the most recent figures shared by the health ministry, 98.66 percent of the eligible population have received the first dose of the vaccine while 88.57 per cent are fully vaccinated.