Coronavirus: Health ministry updates guidelines to help people stay safe from Covid-19 during Ramadan

The updated guidance is in line with the traditions and customs of the holy month

The cannon firing to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The sun rises over Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque on the first morning of Ramadan. Mosques remain closed. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The cannon firing to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The cannon firing to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The sun rises over Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque on the first morning of Ramadan. Mosques remain closed. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A canon is fired to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on the first day of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

A canon is fired to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on the first day of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a beautiful sunny day on the first day of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Police officers get ready to fire the cannon on the first day of Ramadan to break the fast at the Al Mankhool area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A Dubai Police officer gets ready to fire the cannon on the first day of Ramadan to break the fast at the Al Mankhool area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Police officers firing the cannon on the first day of Ramadan to break the fast at the Al Mankhool area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Some shops in Satwa are open for business after Dubai eased restrictions for Ramadan. Leslie Pableo for The National

A father and his daughter cross the street to get to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Terminal during the first morning of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

Sheikh Zayed Road is still very quite on the first morning of eased restrictions on personal travel. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A pedestrian walks pass a bus stop at downtown Abu Dhabi during the Coronavirus epidemic. Victor Besa / The National

A barber shop in Satwa is busy with customers. Leslie Pableo for The National

People in Abu Dhabi can exercise outdoors for up to two hours a day throughout Ramadan, under new guidelines issued by UAE authorities.

On Friday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority clarified their earlier announcements that lifted measures against gatherings and business opening hours to help people stay safe throughout the holy month and amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 11 health and social guidelines were released in a joint circular and include clarification on outdoor exercise, family gatherings for iftar and food distribution, state news agency Wam reported. They apply to every emirate but Dubai, which has its own measures in place issued by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

Authorities said the measures followed the traditions and social customs associated with the holy month and were intended to ensure public safety and health.

They urged people to maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing and avoiding hand to face contact.

The 11 updated guidelines are as follows:

• Relatives are permitted to make family visits, but should refrain from inviting those more susceptible to the virus, including the elderly and those suffering from underlying medical conditions.
• Groups of more than five people are not allowed to gather.
• The elderly, and people with chronic diseases that make them more vulnerable to the virus must stay at home.
• Gatherings, in private or public places, are not allowed.
• Tents and Ramadan majalis are banned.
• Distributing food, unless under the supervision of charities and the relevant government agencies, is prohibited.
• Up to two hours of exercise near home is allowed, with groups of up to three permitted so long as they wear masks and adhere to two metre spacing.
• Food should not be exchanged between different households.
• In the event that food is received from relatives or friends, appropriate hygiene measures must be taken including the use of disposable, sealed bowls.
• Congregational prayers, including tarawih, are allowed at home as long as all the worshippers are members of the same family and live together.
• Domestic helpers are prohibited from meeting anyone outside the home and should not receive food from unknown sources. They must be provided necessary protective equipment, should they need to interact with people from outside the home, and should be advised on precautions to take when receiving post.