Easter and COVID-19 Precautions in UAE

Today, the 4^th of April is Easter Sunday and as Christians across the UAE celebrate, priests and church officials reminded the congregants to observe proper health and safety protocol when they attend church services, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fr Nilo Ramos-Resco, MSP, parochial vicar at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Ras Al Khaimah, said to Gulf News “Easter is a time to rejoice and celebrate hope and renewal. But the pandemic has led to a different type of celebration as the world is seeking to contain coronavirus. Even though our religious celebrations of Easter are restricted again this year, our faith is not diminished.”

Fr Nilo reminded churchgoers to strictly observe health and safety protocol. “Please observe social distancing, always wear face masks, sanitize your hands regularly. Everyone entering the church will go through a sanitation tunnel,” said Fr Nilo, adding: “There are only a limited number of congregants allowed inside. So, we have set up LED screens at the church compound, but although it’s outdoors, social distancing must still be observed.”

In light of Covid and UAE’s rules to help contain it 250 people are allowed to enter and attend either the morning (6.30am) or evening (7pm) service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai.

Churches in Dubai follow the strict protocol set by the Community Development Authority (CDA) to ensure health and safety and so Churchgoers are required to install the Al Hosn app on their mobile phones. Attendees are also required to wear face masks and gloves at all times while at the church premises. Visiting or veneration at the grotto or other areas in the church or church compound before or after the mass are not be permitted. Canteen and toilet facilities are closed and eating and drinking within the church premises are strictly prohibited. Churches are closed after the services.

Image Source: © Sergei Afanasev/Shutterstock

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here