Eid: Follow Covid rules and celebrate safely, residents told

Eid: Follow Covid rules and celebrate safely, residents told

The UAE's first line of defence against Covid-19 has appealed to residents to celebrate Eid Al Adha safely by following all the relevant rules. These include remaining masked up, ensuring a safe social distance and taking a PCR test before visiting relatives, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases. In a special Covid-19 briefing on Sunday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) reminded residents that the frontline workers would be working around the clock even during the four-day Eid Al Adha break that begins on Monday, July 19. "Your (residents') awareness and commitment to the Covid safety measures will complement the efforts of our frontline heroes," the NCEMA said. The authorities reiterated the need to limit Eid Al Adha celebrations to members of the same family living under one roof, and first-degree relatives. Officials advised people to avoid handshakes and hugs and use electronic means to distribute Eidiya (cash given as gifts during Eid). Mosques across the country will host Eid Al Adha prayers with strict Covid safety rules. These include limiting the post-prayer sermon to 15 minutes; mosques closing immediately after the prayer; banning the traditional practice of handshakes and hugs after the prayer; and