A BRADFORD doctor has headed up a campaign for people to stay safe during the pandemic while marking Eid Al-Adha.

Dr Amir Khan has interviewed two women as part of a Public Health England (PHE) scheme for the festival of Eid Al-Adha, which starts today and ends on August 3.

In the video, Dr Khan speaks to resident Hena Ahmed and Nusaiba Mohammad Timol, an entrepreneur and social influencer, who reveal their at-home plans for Eid.

Dr Khan said: “Eid will be different for a lot of people this year.

“We won’t be able to have those large crowds that we are used to at home.”

Bradford Council chief executive Kirsten England tweeted the video featuring Dr Khan, commenting: “Great to see our very own, Dr Amir Khan, heading up this piece! #teamBradford”

 

On its website, PHE says the most important actions people can take are to maintain social distancing during festivities and practise frequent hand washing, for 20 seconds.

Guidelines people need to follow include not gathering in large groups in people’s homes.

While people can gather outdoors in groups of no more than 30, these gatherings will be organised by local mosques in partnership with local councils, in compliance with COVID-19 Secure guidance.

Osman Dar, Consultant in Global Health at Public Health England said: “Please do continue to keep your distance from those people you don’t live with and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds more often throughout the day.

“In enclosed public spaces make sure to wear a face mask and stay alert to your surroundings. Please have a happy and blessed Eid.

Maintain social distancing

Maintaining social distancing is vital for multigenerational households with elderly parents and grandparents, who may also have underlying health issues. Visiting families and friends homes over Eid will increase the risk of spreading COVID-19, especially to those who may be most vulnerable, at a time when the virus is still widely circulating.

Protect yourself and others

In addition to performing wudu at home before prayers and bringing your own prayer mat to the mosque or Eid prayers venue, healthy hygiene should also be maintained through handwashing for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or a hand sanitiser, when you enter your home, blow your nose, sneeze or cough and eat or handle food, to help protect yourself and others.

People preparing food for others, shouldn’t do so if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or any other flu-like illness, even if the symptoms are mild.

Face coverings play an important role and can help us protect each other, reducing the spread of the disease if you are in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible, where you will meet people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in shops.

Meanwhile, Bradford City tweeted its best wishes to all those celebrating Eid: