In an effort to combat the spread of Covid-19, all places of worship in Dubai were shut down in mid-March. However, Dubai is slowly lifting lockdown restrictions, bringing life back to normalcy. Beaches, parks, restaurants and malls in the city reopened last week. And now, places of worship will also open doors soon.
What’s It?
Mosques across the city, Hindu temple in Bur Dubai, and the Gurunanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Jebel Ali will soon welcome visitors once approved by the government. In addition, once open, worshippers must follow strict rules including disinfection walk, sanitization, as well as social distance markers. Furthermore, houses of worship will reduce the capacity once opened.
For instance, St. Mary’s Catholic Church has reduced the capacity to 700-800 people per gathering. The church can actually hold up to 2,000 worshippers. As well as, worshippers must pre-register in order to attend the Mass at certain churches in the city. One pre-registered, entry will be permitted and individuals granted permit will receive an SMS on their phone.
Although places of worship are currently sanitized, an official date for reopening is yet to be announced.
What Else?
Dubai has eased restrictions and now most businesses are back and running in the emirate. Gyms, cinemas, parks and beaches are now open to the public, with restrictions in place. However, mobility restrictions still remain during National Sterilization hours- 11 pm -6 am in Dubai and 10pm to 6am in all other emirates.
#الجميع_مسؤول#We_Are_All_Responsible pic.twitter.com/IwYyYON0Qy
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) May 29, 2020
The Dubai Police have also warned residents about a fine of AED 3000 if they stepped out unnecessarily. Further, they added that residents can step out during curfew time, only of absolutely necessary. This includes:
-Buying food and medicines
-Health emergencies
-Job-related purposes in vital sectors.
Furthermore, all those who wish to step out during curfew must apply for a work permit on https://dxbpermit.gov.ae, before venturing out.