Coronavirus, obey Eid rules and stay safe

Once again, Eid festivities are being held in the shadow of the coronavirus, though the essence of the occasion – spreading hope and cheerfulness – remains.

However, residents should keep certain things in mind, given the unusual nature of the timing of the event. It’s never too late to reiterate the rules, particularly when a large number of people may still get carried away by the celebratory zest of the moment, thinking they are in pre-coronavirus times.

Gatherings in public places or homes are an emphatic no-no, according to the police.

The Dubai Police affirmed that they would take strict measures against violators in this regard, according to the decisions of the State Attorney General. A fine of Dhs50,000 will be clamped on those observe the rules in the breach. The regulations relate to preventing gatherings of more than five persons in one place, or during parties at homes and private places.

Major General Abdullah Al Ghaithi, Acting Assistant Commander in Chief of Operations Affairs, said in a press conference: “The Dubai Police developed a comprehensive plan within the framework of preparations for Eid Al Fitr to achieve traffic flow and safety, by providing 500 patrols.”

Three thousand policemen will secure Eid activities across Dubai, while providing 111 ambulance vehicles, 72 fire engines, with the participation of 700 volunteers, all over the emirate, 433 patrols and 160 rescuers on the beaches. People can no more indulge in reckless or feckless driving, simply doing stunts on a lark and putting lives of other motorists at risk.

Overspeeding and overtaking on the hard shoulder are banned.

Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), stressed that the UAE is continuing its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its national strategic plans have accomplished numerous achievements. Those performing Eid Al Fitr prayers can only do so for 15 minutes and must abide by precautionary measures, such as wearing facemasks and maintaining physical distancing.

People infected with COVID-19 who are under treatment, those exposed to infected people, and people with chronic diseases are prohibited from going to Eid prayers. Shaking hands is also prohibited. Prayers will take place in approved mosques and musallas around the country and services facilities will be closed. The authorities also add that the elderly over the age of 60 and children under the age of 12 should not go to mosques for their own safety. The authorities will supervise the process of entry and exit from mosques to avoid overcrowding and organise prayers. Mosques will open 15 minutes before prayers and will be closed immediately after prayers. Maintaining social distancing with the elderly and those with chronic diseases is mandatory.

Eid greetings with friends and families must be exchanged via virtual platforms. Residents have also been urged to abstain from exchanging gifts and food between neighbours, and not give children Eid presents and cash bonuses.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, reveals that a study conducted on the efficiency of the national vaccination campaign, has shown that non-vaccinated persons are most vulnerable to severe complications caused by COVID-19, “so everyone should take the vaccine.”

It should be remembered by all residents that vaccination is a very important shield against contracting the virus; there has been a significant decline in infection rates after being vaccinated by the second dose.

The vaccine’s efficiency in preventing people from being hospitalised amounts to 93 per cent, while its efficiency in preventing them from being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) is 95 per cent. It all boils down to returning to the good old times before the dreaded coronavirus set in. Returning to normalcy is the outcome of accurate planning, community awareness and the tremendous efforts of relevant authorities, under the monitoring of the country’s leadership.