Combating Covid-19: Even gatherings with 'just family' can spread virus, say doctors

With Eid around the corner, UAE authorities and doctors have urged the public to avoid any kinds of gatherings, including family gatherings. Doctors have warned people against inviting relatives and friends over for greetings and buffets this year, which is the usual way of celebrating the festival.

During the regular virtual press briefing held on Saturday, Dr Amna Al Dahhak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson of the UAE government, called on all families and members of the community to avoid the social visits tradition this year as Eid Al Fitr comes under the exceptional circumstances imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Avoiding crowds and keeping social distancing remain a must. We advise the community to avoid these habits and traditions and skip them this year," she said.

Advising people not to let their guard down and take all necessary precautionary measures when leaving or entering the house, Dr Sherif El Shahawy, gastroenterologist at Prime Hospital, said: " If you care and love your relatives and friends, stay away from each other physically because it is a very sensitive situation and we must adhere to precautionary measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

"Recently we have seen a number of new Covid-19 cases being reported from family gatherings that saw people of few families come together to either pray taraweeh or meet up at iftar.

"This is why we must stay in our own house and not visit or invite anyone as we do not know if our relatives have contracted the virus from someone they interacted with. If such a relative comes to a gathering and interacts all then a number of people can get infected. Therefore avoid any kinds of combined gatherings of friends or families and instead speak to them and greet them virtually."

Emphasising on being responsible citizens, Dr. Nida Aftab Khan, general practitioner at Right Health, Al Qouz said residents should not get reckless and be careful more so when interacting with family members.

"Communicate with families and friends using social media and stay at home for the health and wellbeing of everyone. If at all you have to go outside do not let your guard down and wear masks, gloves and maintain a distance of two metres from people," she said.

"Yes, some of the Eid traditions include shaking hands, giving Eidi and hugging but this time we must avoid any such traditions and instead greet each other from a distance with a smile and wish or exchange greetings via phones, messages, video calling."

The 'New Normal' for Eid Al Fitr

1-No gatherings or visits to houses or friends, relatives

-instead-

Schedule a video-call or a Zoom conference

2-No hugs, handshakes

-instead-

3-Send wishes and greetings online or from your phone

4-Do not give cash as Eidiya

-instead-

Opt for an online transfer

REMEMBER THE FINES

Dh10,000-For Hosting gatherings and inviting people over:

Dh5,000-Attending a gathering as a guest