UAE residents told to do their 'national duty' by complying with Covid-19 rules during Ramadan

Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector, highlighted the importance of social responsibility

An employee at Dubai International Airport walks past a poster reminding passengers to keep a safe distance from each other, after the resumption of scheduled operations by Emirates on May 22. Karim Sahib / AFP

People wear face masks as they play football in the grassy area outside the closed Zabeel park in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Passengers of an Emirates flight prepare to board a plan to Sydney at Dubai International Airport. Karim Sahib / AFP

Workers wear face masks as they buy food from. asupermarket oin Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A man carries a sack of onions at Al Mina Vegetables and Fruits Market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Al Wadha Mall in Abu Dhabi reopens with measures in place to protect shoppers. Victor Besa / The National

Al Wadha Mall in Abu Dhabi reopens with measures in place to protect shoppers. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors wear face masks while snowboarding at Ski Dubai, which reopened on May 27 along with cinemas, gyms and other entertainment venues. Mahmoud Khaled / EPA

Beach-goers lie on lounge chairs by the shoreline near Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai on May 20, as Covid-19 measures are eased. Karim Sahib / AFP

A Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel staff member waits to greet guests in Dubai as safety measures are eased. Karim Sahib / AFP

People eat at a restaurant in Dubai as measures begin to ease.However, precautions are still. inplace to protect diners. Karim Sahib / AFP

Stickers are placed along aisles at a supermarket in Dubai marking safe distances for shoppers to maintain to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. AFPo

Officers man Dubai Plice's Command and Control Centre amid the coronavirus outbreak. Karim Sahib / AFP

UAE residents have been urged to carry out their "national duty" by respecting Covid-19 safety measures during Ramadan.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector, said the community had a crucial role to play in driving down infection rates in the weeks to come.

The holy month is expected to begin in mid-April and officials are eager for the public to celebrate safely.

"We call on community members to co-operate and adhere to Covid-19 measures during the blessed month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr," Dr Al Hosani said.

"Public health is a priority and a social responsibility, community solidarity is an indispensable necessity and observance of instructions is a legitimate and national duty that guarantees safety and leads to recovery."

The country has been buoyed by a drop in Covid-19 infection and death rates this month.

Daily case numbers dropped to 1,717 on Sunday – the lowest level since early January.

Figures had hovered above 3,000 for much of January and February.

Dr Al Hosani said a nationwide vaccination campaign had helped limit infections and fatalities.

"Based on the continuous analysis and follow-up of the vaccination campaigns, it was noted that the approved vaccines are very effective in preventing severe symptoms of the disease, entering hospitals and reducing the mortality rate," she said.

"This result is important and supportive to accelerate the pace of recovery.

"The more vaccinated people we have, will mean less infections, less spread, and it will help in curbing mutations."

She reiterated the need to follow precautionary measures and receive the vaccine for the benefit of wider society.

"The responsibility is on each individual to receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their families.

"We urge all people to co-operate and abide by safety measures.

"We must work hand in hand in solidarity to reach herd immunity."

The UAE announced a series of regulations last week to limit the spread of the virus.

UAE Ramadan 2021 Covid-19 rules and regulations:

• Avoid all majlis and public gatherings

• Family gatherings should not be held

• Iftar and suhoor can be shared only by relatives living in the same house

• Avoid exchanging food with other families

• Refrain from any big gatherings related to Ramadan activities

• No collective iftar tents; no meals in front of mosque or anywhere else

• Restaurants cannot distribute meals inside or outside their premises

• Meals can be distributed in labour accommodation only

• Those who are interested in giving iftar meals to workers should contact the manager of the accommodation and a restaurant to arrange the distribution of meal packs

• Tarawih prayers will be conducted under the precautionary measures already announced

• Mosques should be sanitised before and after prayers

• Do not distribute physical copies of the holy Quran; people should read the Quran digitally

• In the last 10 days of Ramadan, the situation will be reassessed and restrictions may be eased

• Intensive inspection campaigns will be conducted during Ramadan and action will be taken against offenders

• Elderly people and those with chronic diseases that place them at greater risk should continue to avoid public places

• Masks must be worn all times outside the home