The United Arab Emirates unveiled on Friday new regulations for organizing social events as it battles to stem the spread of coronavirus in the country. According to new rules announced by the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), attendance at a wedding or funeral is restricted to first-degree relatives of the two families and the total number of attendees at a wedding or related social event should not exceed 10 people. Attendance at funerals is also limited to 10 people and the number of people responsible for burials has been reduced to two. In a series of tweets, the authority added that it is recommended that all those who attend the gathering be tested at least 24 hours before attending the gathering. The authority also warned against having any buffet system at gatherings and advised the use of disposable plates and cups. It also added that surfaces at such places must be disinfected regularly. Emphasizing on the importance of ensuring the highest standards of prevention followed, the authority said it will closely monitor any social events and take strict action against those who violate the safety protocols. Specifically pointing out safety measures to be followed during funerals, the authority stressed that it is compulsory for the workers at graveyards to wear masks and to disinfect the tools used before and after the completion of the burial of the deceased. It also stressed on washing hands and using disinfectants that contain at least 60-80 percent of alcohol in the absence of water. "Cemetery workers must disclose any respiratory symptoms and avoid attending the funeral if they show any symptoms of the virus. Awareness posters related to coronavirus will be placed on the cemetery gate to educate relatives of the deceased about the preventive measures," the authority said in a tweet. The authority also said that supervisors from the competent authorities must be present to ensure that health requirements are not violated at graveyards, and that security personnel are present to prevent overcrowding and to see the number of attendees should not exceed 10 in number. — Agencies
