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Combating coronavirus: UAE Awqaf issues safety rules for mosques' reopening tomorrow

Dubai - The guidelines range from worshippers having to wear masks and bringing their own prayer mats to the mosques.

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The UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) has released a set of preventive measures that worshippers must follow when they go to mosques from July 1. These measures will help prevent the spread of Covid-19, the authority said on Tuesday.

To ensure the safety of worshippers when going to the mosque, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (AWQAF) calls on the public to adhere to the preventive measures that follow:
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.#awqafuae#UAE#Stay_safe#our_mosques_are_safe#stay_home#preventive_measures pic.twitter.com/WWV7oH6HFN
- ?????.?????? (@AwqafUAE) June 30, 2020

Mosques and other places of worship across the country will reopen from tomorrow at 30 per cent capacity. However, Friday prayers will remain suspended.
The guidelines range from worshippers having to wear masks and bringing their own prayer mats to the mosques.
> Perform ablution at home and ensure you wash your hands with soap
> Wear a face mask before leaving home and inside the mosques
> Bring your own prayer mat. Do not leave it unattended at the mosques
> The elderly, children and those with chronic diseases shouldn't go to the mosques
> Avoid touching surfaces and doorknobs
> Bright floor markers have been placed to ensure a 3-metre social distance between worshippers
> Offer only the obligatory prayers at mosques. Offer optional ones at home
> Avoid congestion at mosques, especially at entrances and exits.
As Khaleej Times reported on Tuesday, Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department had released a set of guidelines. Here are some safety rules that the Dubai authority specified:
> The mosques shall remain open only from the time of azan until the end of the obligatory prayer in congregation
> The obligatory prayer shall be performed immediately after the azan
> The mosques will be closed after each congregational prayer
> It is not allowed for the worshipers to distribute face masks and gloves at the entrance of the mosques
> Any sort of distribution, including food, is strictly prohibited.
sahim@khaleejtimes.com