News Celebrate Diwali safely under new health guidelines

 

With Diwali celebrations starting up throughout Surrey this week, the district wants to remind parents and students to stay safe during the festival of lights as the number of active COVID-19 cases continues to increase locally.

It is important that everyone follow the new provincial health guidelines for the Fraser Health region while celebrating Diwali, namely limiting social interactions to your immediate household. Fraser Health defines immediate household as immediate family members, people who live in the same house and co-parents who live outside of your household.

Social gatherings of any size are not permitted with anyone other than your immediate household, such as friends or extended family. This includes gathering outdoors and at restaurants.

Fraser Health has shared a number of ways to celebrate Diwali at home and stay safe during celebrations, such as:

• Connect virtually through a video call or by phone with extended family, friends and loved ones.
• Wear a mask when shopping for festival celebrations. If you aren't feeling well, ask someone you live with in your home to shop for you.
• Avoid sharing food. If you are preparing meals for your household, place food on separate plats for each person.
• Join livestream prayers and lighting Divaa or Diya at home. Check with your local place of worship for any livestream events or attend one of the virtual events listed in this article.
  

The district is also reminding parents and students to continue other provincial health and safety recommendations, such as maintaining physical distance of two metres from others and practising good hand hygiene and appropriate cough etiquette.

The safest thing to do is stay home – there are other ways to celebrate, and parents are encouraged to get creative with alternative, at-home Diwali activities.

Stay safe and have a Happy Diwali!

Additional Resources from Fraser Health:

Digital Handout: English | Punjabi

8.5 x 11: English | Punjabi

11 x 17: English | Punjabi