Iraqis urged not to hug or kiss during holiday season

BAGHDAD - The government has urged Iraqis not to greet loved ones with hugs or kisses during the coming Eid al-Adha holiday as a precaution against swine flu.

The health ministry has flooded the television, radio and mobile-phone airwaves with public service announcements asking Iraqis to be on their guard and avoid crowded places.

Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi said Tuesday that 13 people had died of the AH1N1 strain, more commonly known as swine flu, and that an additional 1,600 people, mostly in Baghdad, had been diagnosed with the virus.

Iraqi Muslims, especially in rural areas, traditionally greet their neighbours with hugs and kisses after Friday morning’s Eid prayers.

Hundreds of Shiite Muslims flock to shrines in Karbala, Najaf and the Baghdad neighbourhood of Kadhimiya to kiss the shrines. Others pour into amusement parks and gardens in the capital to celebrate.

“It will be difficult not to shake hands or kiss this Eid,” Samia Mohamed Ali, 33, told DPA. “This is an old ritual in our country. Very few people will listen to the ministry of health.”

“Kissing and shaking hands on Eid is part of the Iraqi national character,” Hadi Hassan, 63, agreed. “It will be hard to comply with this advice.”

“Iraqis will fill the streets around the holy shrines tomorrow and families will greet each other. Adhering to these guidelines will be difficult,” he said.