Avoid exchanging Eid gifts and money to prevent coronavirus spread says UAE government

The UAE government has said people should avoid exchanging gifts and money during Eid Al-Adha, while keeping any visits limited to close family to avoid a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Speaking at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, health minister Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al-Owais, said social distancing was the responsibility of all.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the UAE stood at 59,177, and 345 people have died.

Government spokesman, Omar Al-Hammadi, said people should use social media, email and telephones for Eid celebrations.

He said the exchanging of gifts and money should be avoided to reduce the chances of infection.

Hammadi said domestic workers should not meet with people from outside the home and use personal protective equipment when handling deliveries.

The number of cases has been steadily declining and the number of recoveries continues to rise, but Hammadi said it was important for everyone to strictly adhere to the preventive measures.

Al-Hammadi said multiple infections were detected among members of families who attended gatherings without maintaining social distancing or wearing a mask.

Handshaking should be avoided, he said, while hosts should provide single-use paper plates and disposable utensils.

Meanwhile, coronavirus tests are now compulsory for all tourism sector staff working in Abu Dhabi, state news agency WAM reported.

The new ruling is part of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism’s recent launch of the “Rediscover Abu Dhabi” campaign aimed at local visitors on staycations.

In other efforts to return to normal, the UAE government announced that it would be allowing the circulation of newspapers, magazines and paper marketing publications to resume.

But the publications will not be available in public places such as cafes but can be distributed to offices where they will be read and used by one person only.