Celebrate Eid with caution

@samuelkuttyvp -

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has called on all people to adhere to precautionary measures while celebrating Eid al Adha to protect themselves and communities from coronavirus.

The ministry also advised all to keep wearing face masks in closed areas and to maintain all health precautions when welcoming people arriving from the holy places after Haj.

“Compliance with the guidelines by both citizens and residents are mandatory to protect themselves and others from the Covid-19”, the ministry said in a statement.

According to the guidelines, all precautionary measures including proper distancing should be followed while conducting social events.

“Preventive measures should be taken while sneezing and coughing”, the ministry said while urging those suffering from severe respiratory symptoms not to attend the Eid prayers and avoiding family gatherings.

During the pandemic, restrictions were put in place to keep people safe. This meant that large events and festivals were cancelled or postponed.

Although most restrictions are no longer in place, Covid-19 rates are rising globally and putting people at risk of serious illness.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, meanwhile, called on citizens and residents to adhere to health guidelines while performing Eid prayer.

The ministry stressed on the need for wearing a mask in closed places and take precautionary steps, while wishing those who return after the Haj rituals.

The ministry called on imams, preachers and those in charge of mosques to intensify awareness campaigns and urge worshipers to abide by these procedures.

In addition to social and religious gatherings, animal slaughter is also central to Eid al Adha.

During the festival, Muslims around the world sacrifice most commonly goat, sheep, cow or camel, and subsequently distribute the meat to poor or vulnerable people.

The Ministry of Agriculture,Fisheries and Water Resources urged many precautionary measures to be followed before and after the slaughter. It urged to ensure the general health of the animal that it is free from any diseases.

“The person who would do the slaughter must be in good health and doesn’t have any injuries or wounds, and must be wearing protective clothing”, it said. The ministry also advised proper disposal of the waste in a healthy and safe manner and not to throw it in open spaces.