THE Amiri Diwan yesterday confirmed the Eid Al Adha holidays.
The break in work will last from July 29 until August 6. In essence the workforce in the country will resume work on Sunday August 9, 2020. The 11-day break - which is usually spent in meeting and hosting family members and guests - will be a test case for those celebrating the culmination of Haj.
With little air travel for those living in the country, most of the residents in Qatar will be eager to avail the Eid break to meet loved ones at gatherings that could lead to a possible surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Last week, neighbouring Oman announced it will ban travel between all of its governorates from July 25 to August 8, essentially imposing strict curfew to limit the spread of the deadly disease. This curfew period also includes the Eid holidays that have been announced across the region.
Last Tuesday state news agency ONA released a statement from the Health Ministry describing the measure as a “total lockdown” of all governorates. Oman is implementing a daily curfew from 7:00pm to 6:00am, meaning shops and public spaces will be closed during these hours. Last Friday, after implementing strict safety measures that consumed most of June and July, the much-awaited QNB Stars League also commenced with a series of six matches involving the 12 football clubs in Qatar.
Unfortunately the coach of Doha powerhouse Al Sadd - Barcelona legend Xavi Hernendez - revealed on Saturday he had tested positive for symptoms of COVID-19. With the former Al Sadd captain going into isolation, the rest of the games were a smooth operation as teams battled for points before the season winds to a close four weeks later.
During every video conference involving players and coaches this week, the common sentiment from the stakeholders is that Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) had done a ‘commendable job’ to ensure the restart of the league that has four rounds remaining. Players and coaches roundly applauded the healthcare workers for their untiring efforts during the four-month period that has seen thousands staging quick recoveries. During one of the matches, a healthcare worker even started the match with a ceremonial kick.
Al Sadd players sported specially designed jerseys to compliment the efforts of the healthcare workers. The Eid holidays will be a test of the common man’s resolve to not let their guard down.
No handshakes, no hugging, practising social distancing and maintaining a gap of at least a meter and half with a person you are talking to. It is still time to stay 100 percent focused.
