Celebrate Eid safely

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, Wolverhampton’s health chief, along with a local community leader are reminding people to celebrate Eid safely.

With Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan this week, people would traditionally be getting together to celebrate the end of dawn-to-dusk fasting with large scale events, festival food and prayer.

Under current coronavirus restrictions, large celebrations are not allowed, so although restrictions are due to ease next week, people are being reminded to follow the rules to limit the spread of the virus.

Current restrictions mean that up to six people, or two households, may meet up outside, but indoor gatherings of people not in the same household or support bubble are not allowed.

John Denley, the city’s Director of Public Health, said: “We know Eid will have to be a bit different again this year, but want to remind people to celebrate safely and follow the rules, even though restrictions are being eased further next week

“You should only mix with your own household or support bubble indoors, and follow hands, face and space advice if you are meeting others outside.

Local community leader Tariq Ali added: “As we celebrate Eid al-Fitr is is important we do so safely. If you are coming to prayers at a mosque, you should bring your own prayer mat, maintain social distance from others and wear your mask.

“If you are celebrating at home indoors, you should only do so with close family members that you live with.”

John Denley added: “We also want to encourage people across the city to make regular testing part of their normal routines. Before meeting up with friends or family, consider taking a rapid LFT test to be sure that you don’t have the virus and won’t accidentally pass it on to those around you.”

Free, rapid testing is available across at sites across the city including Jamia Masjid Bilal mosque. Home LFT test kits can be collected from a range of locations including the Civic Centre and Bilston Market. Test kits can also be ordered online for home delivery.

More information on rapid testing for people without symptoms of Covid-19 is available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/get-tested 

Rapid testing is not available for people who have symptoms of Covid-19, including a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of taste or smell, or people who have been told to isolate. Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

Latest figures show there were 21.3 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 9 May. That means 56 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven-day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.