Posted on Monday 17th May 2021
With new lockdown easing measures coming into force today (Monday 17 May) the county council wants to thank Muslim residents for embracing a cautious approach and enjoying Eid safely.
Activities for Eid al-Fitr - the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, where family and friends traditionally get together and celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan had to be approached differently for the second year running.
Last week the country was still under Stage Two of roadmap regulations and Muslim communities were asked to plan ahead and possibly modify their plans to enjoy Eid safely.
It is only from today that six people, or two households can mix indoors.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing Johnny McMahon said:
“This is the second time Eid has taken place during the pandemic, which I know has been incredibly challenging.
“I want to thank all community leaders for doing an amazing job keeping each other safe during this difficult period.
“We are in a good position in Staffordshire currently - our Covid-19 rates are low; the vaccine and community testing programmes are running well. This is a result of all our communities playing their part, being cautious and successfully navigating a very difficult period.”
Although the data looks positive in Staffordshire the council is asking all communities to follow the rules and remain vigilant as emerging variants in particular pose a risk of infections and outbreaks.
Johnny added:
“More freedoms are now available under Stage Three – which is great and a reward for everybody’s hard work and fortitude, but we must still be vigilant.
“Get your jab, get tested twice a week, remember Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air and don’t forget the sacrifices that have been made to get us to this stage and how quickly that could change.”
Full details of all the latest coronavirus, testing and vaccine guidance can be found at https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus.