Stay safe during Eid

GPs in Tower Hamlets are wishing Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community, and urging those celebrating to remember to follow social distancing rules when hosting, or attending in-person social gatherings during the festivities.

Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated by many people across the Tower Hamlets community on Friday 31 July until the evening of Monday 3 August. Eid Al-Adha celebrates the end of Hajj and is an important event in the Islamic calendar. It's also a time to celebrate our borough's shared values and diversity across our communities.

This Eid will be a different experience due to the need to follow Government guidelines on social distancing and meeting people from different households. If you're observing Eid Al-Adha, please remember that you need to do so safely in line with the government's Covid-19 guidance.

Shielding

If you, your family member or someone in your household is 'shielding' and have received a letter from the NHS, it is especially important that you take extra precautions to avoid face-to-face contact. For the latest government advice on shielding, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Social distancing remains vital to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus.

The NHS is still here for you

As a reminder, the local NHS is still here for you and it is important you do not wait if you need medical help.

If you need a GP appointment, there are several ways to do this - visit your GP practice website, use an NHS app to book online or call your practice. Most appointments with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional will now be via a phone call, and if you are told you need to see a clinician in person, the NHS has put measures in place to make sure patients are seen safely.

If you have an urgent medical need, visit NHS 111 online – if you cannot access the internet, call 111. If it is a serious or life-threatening emergency, such as if you or a family member have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 999 immediately. If you are told to go to hospital, it is important that you go.

Worship safely

• Mosques in Tower Hamlets began to reopen safely earlier this month, but please check with your Mosque before visiting so that you can follow the required safety instructions and guidance.
• Please be aware that the number of people able to worship at mosques will be significantly reduced in order to maintain social distancing. 
• When visiting a mosque you will be required to give your details for the purpose of NHS Test and Trace, in order to keep you and your community safe.
• If you can't visit your Mosque, please worship at home. 

Keep your distance

• No handshakes or hugs for family and friends outside or your household or support bubble.

Meet friends and family safely

• Gather indoors with members of up to two households only.
• Gather outdoors in public spaces or parks in a group of up to six peoplefrom different households only, or in larger groups if everyone is exclusively from one or two households.
• Limit the number of people you see over short periods of time to help protect yourself and others.
• Stay in touch using phone and video calls.

Maintain good hygiene

• Keep washing your hands regularly, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. 
• Remember to wear a face covering anywhere it may be more difficult to maintain social distancing, such as when entering or leaving the mosque. You must also wear a face covering in all shops and on public transport. 

If you (or someone in your household or support bubble) have symptoms of Covid-19

• Self-isolate at home, and do not invite anyone over to gather in your home. Arrange a test through the NHS straightaway.

The great effort that our communities made to adapt traditions and celebrations during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr needs to continue – this will help ensure people can celebrate safely while preventing the spread of the virus.

Eid Mubarak to all those who will be celebrating this Friday and over the weekend. We hope that even though this will be a different Eid Al-Adha, that it brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to you and your family.