KUWAIT CITY, July 31 (Xinhua) -- As life is gradually returning to normal amid the COVID-19 epidemic, the Kuwaitis are hoping for a better Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals of the year that starts on Friday in the Gulf nation.

After months of lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the Kuwaiti authorities recently decided to partially lift the preventive measures taken to limit the spread of the deadly virus.

Shahd Ali Al-Bayaa, a 25-year-old teacher, told Xinhua that the coronavirus changes the her routine life, especially during the four-day Eid al-Adha.

"We used to wake up and go to pray, before meeting with friends and relatives. People used to gather in malls, cafes and cinema," Al-Bayaa said.

"With the pandemic, everything is different. Most of the mosques in the populated areas are still closed. No gathering is allowed. There is no friends' hangout and relatives' visit because of social distancing rule," she added.

Kuwait started on July 28 the third-phase plan of restoring normal life.

Ali Ahmad, a 24-year-old customer service employee at a college, agreed that this year's Eid al-Adha is extremely different as some people still fear that Eid al-Adha celebrations could lead to a new spike in coronavirus infections.

"Avoiding praying in mosques and handing meat to the needy is better than risking your and others' health," he said, noting a huge possibility that the meat can transmit the virus.

Ahmad, who used to travel at this time of the year, added that staying home is a better choice under the current circumstances, recommending online shopping instead of queuing at the brick-and-mortar stores.

The sacrificial activity of Eid al-Adha, also known as Festival of Sacrifice, is being impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Mahmoud Abdulredha, a 52-year-old manager, told Xinhua that he used to ask a well-known butcher in his neighborhood to slaughter his sheep, but it might be illegal according to the current health authorities' instructions.

"According to the instructions, we have to book an appointment to chop our meat, but it's already fully booked," he complained.

Abdulredha, a father of two daughters, told Xinhua that one of her daughters is being stranded while studying abroad and he will see her in a week after months of separation.

"Seeing my daughter's face will be the greatest Eid gift I've been waiting for," he said. Enditem

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