Eid-el-Kabir Celebration: Don’t Share Prayer Mats, Ablution Kettles And …, NCDC Warns Muslims

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has warned Muslims against sharing prayer mats or ablution kettles as they mark this year’s Eid al-Kabir, PUNCH HealthWise reports.

It adds that persons who are 50 years and over should worship at home. The warning, it says, is to guard against contracting the global pandemic in the course of celebrating the Sallah.

This years Eid al-Adha celebration in Nigeria begins in the evening of Thursday, 30 July and ends in the evening of Saturday, 1 August, authorities say.

The NCDC, in various tweets via its verified Twitter handle @NCDCgov and text messages urged worshipers to observe Eid prayer in smaller groups. NCDC stated in a message sent via mobile phones:

“For your safety and others, wear a mask, maintain physical distancing and people over 50 years should worship at home.”

Also, via Twitter, the agnecy 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.”

Earlier during an online webinar on Thursday, NCDC’s Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, had said,

“Our strategic goal is to maintain a laser-sharp focus on the current response to #COVID19 while building our response architecture for the future.”

Nigeria had recorded 404 new COVID-19 cases, as total infections from the virus rose to 42,208 on Wednesday.

It noted 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. It noted that “travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase the risk of getting infected.