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ABU DHABI / WAM
In a few days, the Islamic world will begin the Holy Month of Ramadan, which will take place for the second consecutive year amidst the extraordinary conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the growing level of knowledge and awareness of the virus, the special nature of the Holy Month requires reiterating the importance of having a sense of individual responsibility and fully adhering to the precautionary measures.
Many Arab nations are witnessing similar conditions, in light of the surge in infections despite official warnings
of seriousness of situation, most notably the rising death rate in many countries.
In the UAE, the infection rate has significantly decreased in recent weeks, with the total number of infections on March 21, down by 56.8 percent compared to the peak on February 3, 2020.
As part of the efforts to preserve the country’s achievements and contain the spread of Covid-19, the UAE adopted several precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health and ensuring prevention during the Holy Month.
These relevant measures aim to accommodate worship-related activities, including prayers, group iftar gatherings and the collection of Zakat donations, as well as social events and gatherings.
In addition, the national Covid-19 vaccination campaign has achieved its goal of vaccinating half the population over the age of 16 before the end of the current month. On Tuesday, the UAE announced that 52.46 percent of target categories have been vaccinated.
During the regular media briefing held by the UAE Government on 16th March, 2021, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced a series of precautionary measures during the Holy Month of Ramadan aimed at protecting the country’s achievements in containing the virus and reducing infections and deaths. These measures include prohibiting family and business Iftar tents and gatherings in public areas, as well as the distribution of Iftar meals in front of houses and mosques.
NCEMA noted that those wishing to help distribute meals should coordinate with charity authorities, adding that Zakat donations should be paid electronically.