The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has urged Muslims celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir to observe their Eid prayers in smaller groups.
According to the agency, the warning is to protect Muslims from contracting the deadly virus in the course of celebrating the Sallah.
According to the Federal Government, this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration begins in the evening of Thursday, 30 July and ends in the evening of Saturday.
Also, the NCDC, in various tweets via its verified Twitter handle @NCDCgov and text messages warned worshipers not to share prayer mats, ablution kettles.
“For your safety and others, wear a mask, maintain physical distancing and people over 50 years should worship at home,” NCDC stated in a message sent via mobile phones.
Also, via Twitter, the agency said, “The virus that causes #COVID19 can live on surfaces for several hours.
“Take Responsibility by avoiding sharing personal items such as Qurans, prayer mats and ablution kettles.
“Wear a face mask. Observe physical distancing. Wash your hands often. Let’s celebrate Sallah safely.”
“Our strategic goal is to maintain a laser-sharp focus on the current response to #COVID19 while building our response architecture for the future.” The NCDC’s Director General, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, explained.
He said Nigeria had recorded 481 new COVID-19 cases, as total infections from the virus rose to 42,609 on Thursday.
He further explained that five more persons had died from the disease, warning that that the rising number of COVID-19 cases in states across the country calls for caution.
The agency also warned Nigerians to avoid non-essential travels, adding that “travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase the risk of getting infected.
