As seasons of religious festivals including Easter and Ramadan approach, directors of public health in Lancashire have announced a set of guidelines to help people celebrate safely.
The celebrations come as the government begin to relax coronavirus restrictions in the UK.
“Our faith communities have worked tirelessly since the beginning of the pandemic to keep people safe, and we applaud all their efforts,” a letter to the public signed by Professor Dominic Harrison, Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi and Dr. Arif Rajpura read, Lancashire Telegraph reported.
“We appreciate that the coming weeks and months will be significant for many faith communities across Lancashire, especially as they may not have been able to celebrate these important festivals last year.
“Celebrations have potential for significant social mixing and therefore an increased risk of Covid-19 transmission – and we therefore need to urge communities to continue to follow the government guidance closely.
“This is often a period of reflection, reconciliation, renewal and restraint but ultimately celebration within households, or with limited outdoor social mixing, in line with the relaxed restrictions. Therefore, we must ask people to follow government guidance and protect themselves, their families and friends.”
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The guidelines announced include the following tips:
- follow the social distancing rules
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitizer gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- let fresh air into your home by opening windows, doors and air vents as much as possible
- wear face coverings (unless exempt) where required by law, such as shops, public transport, places of worship
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri Islamic calendar. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.
From dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations).
Ramadan is expected to start from April 13 this year subject to moonsighting.
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