The Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) Public Health Protection Department calls on the public to follow precautionary measures during Eid to ensure a healthy and happy occasion.

With Eid just around the corner, Dr Badreya Al Harmi, Director of Public Health Protection Department at the DHA shared precautionary measures that should be taken, while celebrating Eid and when visiting public places like malls, beauty parlors and restaurants during the holidays.

“Eid prayers must be performed at home. Family members should avoid giving gifts and money to children as eidiyahs and use electronic alternatives instead,” said Dr Al Harmi.

She added that people should avoid big gatherings and especially avoid visiting pregnant women, elders, people with chronic disease and children. This group should also avoid going out to public places.  House workers should avoid interacting with outsiders, if they must, then they should wear facemasks and gloves.

Dr Al Harmi stressed that the public must continue following general precautionary measures that include: staying home if they have a fever or any respiratory symptom, maintaining physical distancing, wearing the face mask properly and sanitizing or washing their hands regularly. 

She stressed that the people should follow the following guidelines when:

Going to beauty centres and salons in Eid

• Stay home if you have a fever or any respiratory symptom
• Maintain physical distancing
• Wear the face mask properly
• Avoid touching others and shaking hands
• Refuse the service if you notice that the staff has any symptoms and inform the manager
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes and keep your hands clean
• It is best to use your own grooming tools for shaving, haircutting and manicures, if not available, then make sure the tools used are sterilized
• Pay by card or smart pay

Visiting restaurants and cafes during Eid

• Stay home if you have a fever or any respiratory symptom
• Eating with a face mask on is difficult so make sure you maintain physical distancing
• Sanitize or wash your hands before and after eating
• Avoid raw foods
• Don’t share food or drinks with others on the table
• Avoid eating with your hands and use single-use cutlery
• Pay by card or smart pay

Visiting malls during Eid

• Stay home if you have a fever or any respiratory symptom
• Maintain physical distancing
• Wear the face mask properly
• Sanitize your hands after touching surfaces
• Wash your hands regularly
• Pay by card or smart pay

Eating healthy during Eid

• Don’t overindulge in sweets and heavy meat dishes
• Chew the food slowly to ensure good digestion
• Avoid overeating and abstain from fatty food and fizzy drinks
• Stick to healthy homemade food
• Beef and lamb meat take long to digest. If you must have them, then eat them in moderation.
• Avoid fried food or meals that are high in fat and sugar
• Have fresh fruits, veggies and whole grain crackers instead.
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily
• Exercise or go for a walk to help aid digestion