In an urgent announcement, the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Chardalias, in view of the Muslim Holiday “Kurban Bairam”, that would be celebrated today and tomorrow, highlights the protection measures imposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus:
“The 31st of July 2020 is one of the major Muslim holidays, the Feast of the Sacrifice of Abraham, Eid al-Adha or Kurban Bairam.
It is recalled that the religious duties of Muslims for the Feast of the Sacrifice of Abraham will be performed only inside the Mosques in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Ministerial Decision, the validity of which has been extended until 21/08/2020, i.e. one person per 5 square meters is allowed, keeping a distance of 1.5 meters from each other. In mosques that are larger than 500 sq.m., the maximum number allowed is 100 people. Every believer should have his own prayer mat with him.
It is forbidden to perform prayers in public places and the municipalities that have given permits for the feast to be celebrated on sites owned by the municipality must immediately revoke them. Up to 10 people, who must keep a distance of 1.5 meters between them, are allowed to gather outside the mosque, while the use of masks is obligatory.
It is clear that handshakes, kisses, and hugs increase the likelihood of transmitting the disease and should, therefore, be avoided.
Vulnerable groups must remain at home. Praying at home is the safest way for them to fulfil their religious duties and at the same time, they will be protecting their health. It is forbidden for more than 10 people to gather at festive meals or dinners.
We wish our Muslim fellow citizens a very Happy Eid al-Adha and we reiterate that we must be very careful so that every day of joy and prayer to God does not turn into a cause and a source of transmission of the coronavirus.”
Source: ANA-MPA