Saudi Gazette report

ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has set out a list of preventive and precautionary guidelines to be followed by worshippers before increasing the capacity of mosques to 50 percent starting from Monday (Aug. 3).

As part of the measures, which were announced by the country’s General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, it is mandatory to carry out ablutions at home. Worshippers must carry their prayer mats, wear face masks, observe physical distancing, and download AlHosnApp to ensure the health and safety of the community members.

The preventive measures and guidelines outlined by the authorities include the following:

— Ablutions to be done at home, with water, soap and sanitizers used to wash and clean hands.

— Wearing face masks is mandatory during all prayers.

— All worshippers to carry their own prayer mats, and take them home after prayer.

— Avoid touching surfaces and door handles.

— Commit to keeping 2 meters of social distancing.

— Use the mosque for main prayers only.

— Use personal electronic devices to read the Holy Qur’an.

— Elderly citizens, residents, and young children to pray at home.

— Avoid crowding at doors and entrances.