Guidance for staff celebrating Eid-ul-Adha during COVID-19

Due to the national restrictions currently in place, it is essential that staff celebrating Eid-ul-Adha
consider the following key points:

1. Time off: Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated from the 31 st July over 3 days, and so if additional leave is required, agree on any leave requirements and appropriate cover with your line manager in advance.
2. Eid Prayers: It is advised that staff perform the morning Eid prayer in accordance with the safety measures imposed at your local Mosque. If you are working during the morning of Eid day, and Eid prayer must be performed at the workplace, speak to your Muslim chaplain or your Muslim Network representative to identify a suitable place to perform the prayer. Agree a suitable time with your line manager/supervisor to perform the prayer to ensure any adverse impact on patient care is mitigated.
3. Meeting family: If not shielding, you can meet in groups of up to six people who you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble. For indoors, meeting with friends and family in other households is permitted for groups of up to two households only. In all instances, it is advised that staff observe social distancing as per government advice.
4. Celebrate: Share your celebrations with colleagues by bringing in food or sweets for colleagues. This is a good opportunity for fellow colleagues to recognise why Eid is important to you and is a great way to share the joy with others, as is practiced in many parts of the world.
5. Remember those in need: While celebrating, do remember others across the world who may have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 outbreak or who may be struggling financially. While Eid is a moment of joy, it is important to recognise that for many people it may not be a moment to celebrate. As such, use this day to help others too through good gestures.
6. Keep up with your spiritual routine: We recognise the importance of spiritual health to your overall health and wellbeing. Over the last 10 days, you may have increased your level of worship or spiritual activity in recognition of the days of the pilgrimage. Try to keep up this level of activity post-Eid too. It is quite common to feel a spiritual void if you discard this too quickly which could lead to a negative impact on your health and wellbeing. If you are suffering from a negative impact then do consider the health and wellbeing offers available across the NHS.