The month of fasting and observations of spiritual reflection is set to end on Saturday and is followed by Eid, the festival of fast breaking where family and friends traditionally get together to attend special prayers and celebrate.
However, with the country in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, people are asked to follow Government the guidelines designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. These include staying at home as much as possible and limiting contact with other people.
These measures should be followed by everyone. Further guidelines are in place for individuals or households who are isolating, and for the most vulnerable who need to be shielded.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Anyone can spread coronavirus, even if they don’t show symptoms.
"Reducing our day-to-day contact with other people is the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus, and to help save lives, and so we all need to follow the social distancing guidance – which includes avoiding social gatherings – for the safety of everyone.
“We know how difficult this is for families who would normally get together to celebrate Ramadan and Eid but it is incredibly important that everyone continues to adhere to the measures which remain in place.
“Places of worship remain closed, and organising gatherings in parks or open spaces to pray or celebrate faith, however well intentioned, must be discouraged at the current time.
“This Eid, you can go outside with those in your household or meet with only 1 other person who doesn’t live in your household as long as you keep 2 metres distance between you. This must only be 2 people in total meeting outside; 1 from each household. To protect yourself and others, please do not gather in groups with people from more than 1 household.
“Instead, why not make use of online platforms and other ways to communicate with family and friends? We are aware of and support the huge efforts of mosques across in Wolverhampton who have made the best use of technology to ensure their congregations are kept informed and able to share in the celebrations.”
Everyone must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out
- wash your hands regularly
- stay at home and self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus, including a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS.
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe Be Kind.
