New Rules for Covid during Ramadan

As Ramadan is expected to begin April 2, here are the latest COVID-29 rules for Ramadan.
The COVID-19 protocol for the month of Ramadan was announced by the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) on Wednesday, March 30.
The federal agency said Taraoui prayers and religious lectures, which were suspended for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will return to mosques during Ramadan. Along with the announcement of the resumption of Taraoui prayers, NCEMA also updated its guidelines for mosques and worshippers.

COVID-19 protocol for mosques.
According to NCEMA, the maximum capacity for worshippers will be increased. The following changes were announced:

• Women’s prayer rooms will return to normal operation during Ramadan.
• Resumption of daily lessons and lectures given by scholarly guests of the president at mosques.
• The distribution of bottled or canned drinking water is permitted.
• Volunteers should be present to supervise the observance of all precautions in the prayer halls, such as wearing masks, the obligation to use personal or disposable prayer mats, and the observance of previously announced measures.

Social Distancing.
The distance of one meter between those praying will remain in effect.
COVID-19 rules for Taraouih and Tahajjud prayers

• The time between Isha Adhan – or the call to prayer – and the prayer is 20 minutes.
• The Isha prayer with the Taraouih prayer and the Vitr prayer is 45 minutes.
• During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, the Tahajjud prayer is limited to 45 minutes.
• Worshippers will be lined up in a straight vertical line to make entering and exiting easier.
• Qurans will also be handed out provided they are sterilized after use.

COVID-19 rules for iftar tents
On March 14, NCEMA also announced COVID-19 protocol for tents during Ramadan.

Private Sector Schedule during Ramadan.
On March 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emirates (MOHRE) announced that during Ramadan, working hours in the private sector will be reduced by two hours each day.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, ordered the release of 210 prisoners from penal and correctional institutions ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
The gesture is part of the ruler’s humanitarian initiatives based on the values of forgiveness and tolerance.