Eid Al Adha 2022: UAE announces Covid rules for holiday gatherings

Public advised to abide by safety measures for this year's festival

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

People in the UAE have been urged to take PCR tests before this weekend's Eid Al Adha celebrations to support the country's fight against Covid-19.

Members of the public should ensure they are tested no more than 72 hours before taking part in gatherings to protect the health of friends and family members, especially the elderly, authorities said.

The public was asked in a televised coronavirus briefing on Monday to remain committed to safety measures to assist the recovery from the pandemic.

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

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.

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

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.

Safety rules announced

During the briefing, Covid-19 protocols for the festival and for pilgrims taking part in Hajj were set out.

It was announced that the duration for prayers at mosques will be set at 20 minutes.

Worshippers should wear masks and maintain a distance of one metre from each other.

There should be no handshakes between worshippers.

Police patrols and volunteers will manage the entry and exit of people into mosques.

People returning from Hajj should follow precautionary measures and stay at home for seven days after arrival, the briefing heard.

Conducting a PCR test on return from Saudi Arabia to airports in the UAE will be optional but is mandatory if there is a suspected case of Covid-19.

A test will be mandatory, however, for all pilgrims on the fourth day of their return or as soon as symptoms appear.