Just because we’re celebrating this year’s Eid without the grand festivities with our loved ones, that doesn’t mean our Eid is meaningless. Amid this pandemic, family clusters are surely the last thing we want while celebrating Eid. That worry feeling would inevitably come to us because we can’t see the virus with our eyes. Being said that, the best we can do is to remain vigilant and take good care of ourselves as well as our families to avoid family clusters. To help you celebrate this Eid with ease, here are simple tips to follow to prevent family clusters.

Wash Hands or Use Hand Sanitizer and Wear Masks

Masks and hand sanitizers are key! Both items must always be within everyone’s reach, whether you are visiting a relative's house or vice versa. Also, make sure that both you and your family are wearing the mask properly: covering the mouth and nose. If possible, it would be even better if you can give easier access to the hand washing area for your family. Don't forget to provide hand soap and running water.

No Handshake and Physical Touch

Contaminated hands are the cause of pathogen transmission. That’s why, in order to prevent the form of family clusters, you’re not advised to hug or shake hands with your family. Make sure that you and your family are also keeping a safe space of 1,5 meters between each other. Although physical contact is restricted, it wouldn’t diminish the loving bond that we have with our family during this celebration. 

Give Your Family a Nicely Wrapped Cookies

It’s almost impossible to celebrate Eid without cookies; it’s the perfect snack to have while having a chat with the family. However, since we still have to keep our distance from each other, it would be wise to provide wrapped cookies for our relatives so they can enjoy it at their home. This year, you can use this opportunity to upgrade your skill on how to make a beautiful wrap for Eid packages!

Receiving Guests Outside the Home

If your house has a large garden, you can decorate it so you can receive the guests there safely. As the garden is situated in an outdoor setting with natural air, it would be an ideal way to prevent family clusters. As we know, rooms with poor air circulation would increase the chance of the virus being spread. While receiving guests, remember to keep implementing health protocols.

Pay Attention to Visiting Durations

Time flies when we’re busy spending time together with the family. But, under these circumstances, one of the best ways to keep them safe is to limit our duration while meeting them. The most important thing is that we have seen their happy faces and have shown our gratitude towards each other.

Video Calls with Family

Technology makes things easier. Virtual meetings are the perfect alternative for those of us who don't go back to our hometown. Communicating through video calls is undoubtedly the safest way that we can carry out in avoiding family clusters. We can still freely tell each other’s stories without feeling anxious about spreading virus to other people. 

[Things to Note During the Prohibition of Eid al-Fitr Homecoming]

So, those are things you can apply to celebrate this holiday safely. Even though the celebration is done in such limiting conditions, we do hope it won't die down the spirit that we have within ourselves. Eid Mubarak, Smartcitizen!