Free Covid-19 test for religious leaders in Abu Dhabi

Exemption is part of plan to ensure religious centres remain safe for worshippers

A cleaner disinfects a pew at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Cleaning under way at the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Temple in Dubai ahead of reopening on July 1. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visitor to Mahamevnawa Buddhist Temple in Dubai has his temperature checked on entry. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A cleaner disinfects pews at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visitor to Mahamevnawa Buddhist Temple in Dubai walks through a disinfection tunnel on entry. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A cleaner disinfects the floor at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visitor prays at Mahamevnawa Buddhist Temple in Dubai. Markings on the floor remind worshippers to keep their distance. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Markings on the floor of a Shiva temple in Dubai remind worshippers to maintain physical distancing. Reem Mohammed / The National

Markings on the floor of a Shiva temple in Dubai remind worshippers to maintain physical distancing. Reem Mohammed / The National

A worshipper prays at a Shiva temple in Dubai after places of worship were permitted to reopen, months after closing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.  Reem Mohammed / The National

Religious leaders in Abu Dhabi do not have to pay for Covid-19 tests.

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi made the ruling to support places of worship in their implementation of precautionary measures to protect public health and safety.

The exemption is part of guidelines for the reopening of places of worship.

These also include a maximum capacity of 30 per cent and ensuring that worshippers follow all precautionary measures.

Mosques, temples and churches across the country were closed on March 16 to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Several places of worship reopened in early July but some churches reopened later as they awaited clarity about receiving the communion.

Last month, admission to places of worship extended to children and the elderly, who were previously prevented from attending services for their safety.

The department has issued a manual to mosques, temples and churches to guide the gradual return of worshippers.

The "Gradual Return Back To Life" Guide includes procedures that must be followed, including organised entry and exit points according to the permitted capacity.