There has been a brilliant response by Muslims and Mosques to local advice and guidance issued by Leeds City Council and its partners and this has helped hugely in the success of the city in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

In normal circumstances, Muslims would celebrate Eid-Al-Adha – the festival of sacrifice – on the 31st of July 2020 (moon sighting dependent) in the customary way.

This Eid-Al-Adha will be different

Eid Prayers

Large gatherings in places of worship such as Mosques still present a risk for the potential to spread the coronavirus. Following the relaxation of lockdown measures, places of worship have re-opened for services and Eid prayers are allowed in COVID-19 secure mosques, with the appropriate risk assessments and safeguards in place and with worshippers following social distancing guidelines.

Eid Celebrations

What you need to know

• The more people you meet the more the chances of the virus spreading to others.
• It remains unlawful to gather with more than 30 people in homes, gardens, and other outdoor places or in a public outdoor space unless it’s been planned by an appropriate organisation and that place is COVID-19 secure.

What you should NOT do

• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
• Do not leave home if you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
• Do not shake hands or hug.
• Do not hold or attend celebrations of any size where it’s difficult to maintain social distancing in any place.
• Do not stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (an overnight stay should only include a maximum of 2 households, including your own household).

What you can do to stay safe and enjoy Eid

• You can stay 2 metres away from anyone outside of your household.
• You can wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds at a time, particularly, if you have been out of your home.
• You can avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes with hands that you haven’t washed.
• You can wear a face-covering in shops, supermarkets and on public transport unless you are below the age of 11 or have a medical condition which prevents you from wearing it.
• You can limit social interaction with anyone outside of the group that you are with when you are visiting a place.
• You can limit the number of people you see, especially, over short periods of time.
• You can socialise indoors with members of up to 2 households, including, your own household and including, when you are going out to eat.
• You can connect and celebrate with family virtually.

For further guidance on what to do to pray Eid prayer in accordance with your school of thought in a COVID-19 secure place of worship, please do contact your local mosque for advice.

Thank you for your cooperation and for all you do to contribute to the civic and religious life of Leeds.

On behalf of Leeds City Council for when Eid arrives – Eid Mubarak!

Pray and celebrate Eid in a socially distanced way. Stay Safe. Save lives.

Issued by: Shaid Mahmood, Chief Officer Communities, Leeds City Council
Issue date: 28th July 2020

Cllr Mohammed Shahzad, BAME Officer, Leeds East CLP.