4 families spread Covid-19 in UAE through group prayer

  DUBAI – A UAE government spokesperson issued a warning as the country’s number of cases continued to increase, saying the latest new Covid-19 cases were spread by four families who gathered for prayer. “This increase is also a result of recklessness by individuals not adhering to social-distancing rules,” Dr. Amna Al Dhahak said. The UAE recorded 783 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, up from 680 new cases on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 19,661. Al Dhahak said some cases on Monday included members of four families who gathered for Taraweeh prayers despite the UAE’s social distancing rules. The official said the families also ignored the advice of the UAE Fatwa Council and General Authority of Islamic Affairs regarding group prayers. The Fatwa Council has said that Taraweeh prayers should be performed at home while mosques are closed. The Fatwa Council also warned against congregating to perform the prayers, “as this could endanger lives”, an act that is forbidden in Islam. This is consistent with Dubai's relaxed lockdown rules, limiting social gatherings between family members of not more than five. “We acknowledge the importance of performing religious acts during Ramadan but these must be done with respect to the measures in place,” Al Dhahak said. Mosques, churches and other places of worship have remained closed in the UAE as part of precautionary measures against the coronavirus. https://www.expatmedia.net/difficult-reopen-uae-mosques-churches-covid-19-says-official/2020/04/ Last week, health authorities in the UAE also warned residents over social distancing after a baby had contracted Covid-19 when two families held a gathering of 30 people, including several elderly individuals.

Food distribution discouraged

Meanwhile, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the UAE health sector, discouraged the public to distribute or share food, which is a common practice during Ramadan. “We have noticed that some families are still distributing food and sharing with their neighbours, and this will increase the risk and the spread of the virus," Dr. Al Hosani said. She said that although it is a gesture of goodwill, “this could lead to the spread of the virus and could infect others.” The official reminded the public to practice caution, adding that people who don’t show symptoms of coronavirus may still be carriers and could infect others, especially those with a weak immune system. “We must make sure to protect these people by implementing precautionary measures at home, such as wearing masks when visiting them, keeping a distance and saying hello from afar,” she said. “Do not be the one to bring the virus into your home because by being reckless, you might transmit the virus to those who are dear to your heart,” she said. ICA/Expat Media https://www.expatmedia.net/dubai-reveals-plan-malls-offices-ramadan/2020/05/ https://www.expatmedia.net/new-dubai-covid-19-rules-going-3-hour-mall-visits/2020/04/ https://www.expatmedia.net/new-dubai-covid-19-rules-going-3-hour-mall-visits/2020/04/
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