Abu Dhabi sets out Eid Al Adha 2022 safety measures

Public urged to wear masks, observe social rules and take PCR tests to curb spread of virus

Mandatory checking of the Al Hosn app by security at every entrance of the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Al Hosn green pass awareness signs are placed at every entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

An EDE scanner sign at the main entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. The scanners can detect whether a person may have coronavirus. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Masks are worn to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Antonie Robertson/The National

Yas Mall Al Hosn signs. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE has taken robust action to help stem the spread of Covid-19 since the virus first emerged two-and-a-half years ago. Victor Besa / The National

A number of safety measures governing the economy, education, travel and the health sector were introduced as part of a major drive to protect public health. Victor Besa / The National

Some restrictions have been eased in recent months — including the wearing of masks outdoors — but other rules remain in place. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A member of staff takes a Covid-19 sample at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A person with two positive tests is a confirmed case in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A member of staff cleans a surgery room at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Covid-19 cases are on the rise in UAE and authorities have told residents to wear masks as a preventive measure. Pawan Singh / The National

In Dubai, anyone with a positive PCR test for Covid-19 is a confirmed case. That means you have to isolate for 10 days, even if you do not have symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National

In Dubai, the 10-day home isolation period is mandatory. The first day is the day you took the PCR test. Pawan Singh / The National

Covid testing carried out at Seha Covid-19 Drive Through Screening Centre Rabdan, in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

At a coronavirus briefing on Monday, authorities said the wearing of face masks in indoor public settings would be strictly enforced, with Dh3,000 fines for those breaching rules. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Abu Dhabi has set out Covid-19 safety measures to help limit the spread of the virus during Eid Al Adha celebrations.

The capital's Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Department of Health and its Public Health Centre, has approved key protocols on the wearing of face coverings, physical distancing and testing for the religious holiday.

The rules are in line with those announced by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in its televised coronavirus briefing each week.

Eid Al Adha will begin on Saturday, with public and private sector workers on holiday from Friday, July 8 until Monday, July 11.

Work will resume on Tuesday, July 12.

The guidelines cover Eid prayers, animal sacrifices during the festival, social activities and for pilgrims returning from Hajj.

Eid prayers

* Worshippers should wear face masks

* They should avoid gathering and shaking hands after prayers

* Maintain a distance of one metre from others

Social activities

* People should wear masks and ensure physical distance of one metre, especially from people considered vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases

* Limit celebrations and gatherings to family members and close relatives when possible

* It is advisable to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to attending Eid events

* Use digital payment methods instead of exchanging cash in person when giving money for Eid whenever possible

Returning pilgrims

* Activate green status on Al Hosn app ― typically through a negative PCR test ― before leaving the country

* Avoid leaving home and mixing with others in the first week of return from Hajj

* PCR tests are optional on arrival back in the country, but mandatory in the event of Covid-related symptoms.

* Take a PCR test on the fourth day of return to maintain green status on Al Hosn

Sacrifices

* Ensure distributions are stored in sanitised containers before sharing

* Use only approved venues and abattoirs

* Ensure payments are made digitally whenever possible

Public urged to act responsibly

Dr Taher Al Ameri, spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema), said at Monday's briefing that it would strictly monitor compliance with regulations in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.

Dr Al Ameri said the government was aware that some had neglected Covid-19 rules in public places.

The number of daily infections have increased in recent weeks, topping 1,600 each day since June 23. Daily case numbers had dropped below 200 in early May.

Muslims prepare for Eid Al Adha - in pictures