New Guidelines For The Places of Worship In The Emirate of Dubai

NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE PLACES OF WORSHIP IN THE EMIRATE OF DUBAI

The below guidelines are for the regular prayers that are held on a daily basis at the Place of Worship and it will be effective from July 06 2021, operating with a capacity of 30% of the normal capacity.
 

NEW GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE WORSHIPPERS

1. Worshippers have to keep one row empty between every other row of worshippers

2. Worshippers have to observe physical distancing and maintain 2 meter distance between one another. Worshippers are advised to abide by the physical distancing markers placed within the Place of Worship.

3. Worshippers have to wear masks all the time

4. Worshippers have to bring their own prayer books and other prayer related materials and not to share it with rest of the worshippers.

5. It is not allowed to shake hands and is only permitted to wave hands from distance.

6. It is not allowed to gather before or after prayers.

7. It is not allowed to do any individual prayers after the general prayer is concluded

8. Worshippers have to leave the place of worship immediately after the prayer.

9. The worshipers are obligated not to attend if one of them had a contact with a positive case of COVID-19 in the past ten days, and to verify that there are no symptoms.

10. Children under 12 and elderly over 60, those with chronic diseases and prone to infections are advised not to come to the places of worship
 

NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE PLACES OF WORSHIP

1. The places of worship is permitted to carry out three prayers a day with a maximum time of 60 minutes each.

2. The Place of Worship should ensure that there is a gap of minimum three hours between each prayer and carryout sterilization between prayers.

3. The entry and the exit of the Place of Worship should be two separate lines. The worshippers should practice physical distancing during the entry and exit and avoid overcrowding at these places. The Place of Worship will place instructional posters indicating entrances, exits and distances of separation to be maintained between the worshipers.

4. The place of worship should adhere to the prayer schedule according to the specified time.

5. The place of worship should be closed immediately after the prayer.

6. The Place of Worship must abstain from sharing any common items, utensils, or surfaces, with the importance of finding alternatives that ensure no transmission of infection and limit contact.

7. Any kind of food distribution within the premises should adhere to the following:

• The food should only be prepared in a facility which holds appropriate food safety permits from Dubai Municipality.

• The food needs to be wrapped and sealed individually.

• The wrapped food should be distributed by a volunteer or any staff of the Place of Worship.

• The volunteer or staff of the Place of Worship should sanitize their hands and wear new gloves before distribution.

• Place  of  Worship  should  submit  their  plan  for food distribution to Community Development Authority and obtain approval prior to initiating

• Adequate physical distancing and refrain from physical interaction should be maintained during food distribution.

8. The Place of Worship may assign a volunteer or a staff in distribution of disposable water bottles or cups.

9. The washrooms and ablution areas to be sanitized after each use.

10. Continuously cleaning of the place of worship, and ensure that there are closed bins for hygienically disposing of used masks and other waste.

11. The    Place    of    Worship     should     carry    out    a comprehensive sterilization at the end of each day.


I would like to thank you all for your fervent prayers and patience you have shown in this difficult time and request you all, my dear Parishioners, to cooperate with the church for the smooth execution of the guidelines laid down for the opening of the church.

Greetings and prayers,
Fr. Lennie J.A. Connully, OFM Cap.