Guidance for staff celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr during COVID-19
Due to the national restrictions currently in place, it is essential that staff celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr
consider the following key points:
- Time off: Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated over 3 days and so while Eid is due to occur on a nonworking day followed by a bank holiday, if additional leave is required, agree on any leave requirements and appropriate cover with your line manager in advance.
- Eid Prayers: Because Mosques and faith centres will be closed during Eid day, it is advised that staff perform the morning Eid prayer at home, in congregation with the family if possible. This should be conducted in accordance with your local mosque. If you are in doubt, please speak to your local healthcare chaplain. If you are working during the morning of Eid day, and Eid prayer must be performed at the workplace, speak to your Muslim chaplain 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.
- Meeting family: If not shielding, ensure you get enough outdoor time for exercise with household members only. This will help with your physical and mental health. When connecting with wider family and friends, it is advised that staff observe social distancing as per government advice.
- 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.
- Remember those in need: While celebrating, as you did during Ramadan, 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.
Better safe than sorry.