Published Monday 19 July 2021 at 11:26
As Muslim residents get ready for Eid-al-Adha, the Council Leader shares his message of celebrating cautiously.
Eid-al-Adha, expected to fall on Tuesday 20 or Wednesday 21 July, will be the first major religious festival to fall after the Step 4 relaxation of Covid restrictions.
After three Eids celebrated in lockdown or under tighter restrictions, many local families are looking forward to celebrating together.
Although rates of Covid cases continue to fall in Blackburn with Darwen, they are still higher than the national average. Taking a lead from central government, the Council is urging people to take personal responsibility for how they celebrate and who they mix with.
Coun Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of the Council, said:
For many families this will be their first Eid together since August 2019. After the last 16 months or so, people are looking forward to celebrating Eid together.
With Covid case rates in Blackburn with Darwen still higher than other parts of England, I am urging everyone to be cautious.
As Covid restrictions officially end on July 19th, the government is asking us all to take responsibility for our own actions. This includes doing everything we can to protect ourselves and others, particularly vulnerable people within our communities.
- Be mindful of mixing with people who may be vulnerable – it’s a good idea to continue to carry face coverings for higher risk situations such as crowded indoor spaces
- Socialise outdoors where possible
- Indoors, remember to keep windows open to allow fresh air to circulate
- Continue following the basics of good hygiene by washing hands regularly
- And consider taking rapid lateral flow tests before meeting up with others, particularly vulnerable people.
Coun Khan added:
I hope that people will have the best possible time this Eid, while also doing the right thing to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating.
Rapid tests can be taken at home – get yours from local community centres and pharmacies, or order online from the gov.uk website.
People with no symptoms can also take tests in person at the borough’s Rapid Test Hubs.
Get all the details of how to get rapid tests at www.blackburn.gov.uk/get-a-test.
WATCH the Leader’s Eid message:
Filed under : Eid