Buckinghamshire Council wishes local Muslims greetings for a safe Eid

Cultural and the Arts, Religion and Spiritual

As local Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid al-Adha this weekend, Buckinghamshire Council sends warm greetings and a reminder to stay safe.

With lockdown restrictions being progressively eased it is easy to think that coronavirus has gone away but this isn’t the case. It is essential to keep in mind the basic health and hygiene messages – while at the same time celebrating Eid.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “It remains vitally important to keep in mind the health and safety messages, while at the same time celebrating this important festival in the Muslim calendar.

“We have seen local restrictions put back into place in some areas of England – and we don’t want that to happen in Buckinghamshire, just as we are seeing a return to some kind of normality.

“I wish all celebrating this weekend ‘Eid Mubarak’!”

People participating in Eid al-Adha should:

  • Wash their hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and warm water
  • Keep a safe distance from people not living in the same household
  • Wear a face covering when in a public indoor space
  • Give Salaam or Eid greetings without hugging or shaking hands
  • Stay at home if they develop symptoms and book a test immediately

Gareth Williams added: “You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms, so it is important to avoid close contact with people including touching hands, hugging, standing or sitting close together – as this can spread the virus.

“Anyone with symptoms: a new continuous cough, high fever or loss of taste or smell should not visit the mosque. They should stay at home and book a test immediately.”

Anyone with symptoms can book a test on line at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call 119.