MUSCAT: Today, the world’s 1.8 billion followers of Islam celebrate the most important festival — Eid Al Adha.

However, for thousands, this will be a low-key Eid, amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Almost everyone are avoiding gatherings which have become a threat to public health.

Oman has imposed a 15-day lockdown to protect citizens and residents from the pandemic. While mosques continue to remain closed, the authorities have strictly banned Eid gatherings.

The message is clear — public health is top priority and all must comply. Today, the biggest reward is to stay healthy by celebrating Eid without putting anyone at risk.

“Let’s respect the rules and stay home this Eid. Let’s hope, the world can contain this virus soon so we can celebrate the next Eid,” said Mohammed Shammer a resident in Muscat.

“Let’s celebrate Eid with modern technology, as we do not want infections to surge, for each infection has a huge impact on others,” Shameer added.

In a special statement to Oman News Agency His Excellency Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidy, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Committee said that compliance with the precautionary measures will spare the society pain and sorrow and will contribute to the resilience of the health system in the face of the pandemic as well as boost the national economy after many of its sectors have been affected by conditions resulting from the pandemic. “Efforts exerted by everybody during this time will be engraved in the national memory adding a new chapter to Oman’s glorious history,” the Minister added.

As citizens and residents, we need to bear a few things in mind: we must be able to separate our interactions, isolate ourselves and stay positive. That is our mission at this critical time. That is our task.

Our future together depends on how wisely we act now so that we can celebrate these festivities soon. Eid Mubarak!