Ramadan suggestions from the World Health Organization… Does fasting increase the risk of corona?

Ramadan suggestions from the World Health Organization… Does fasting increase the risk of corona?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a guideline on the precautions to be taken in the corona virus outbreak process for the 1.8 billion fasting Muslims.  In the guide, 'Does fasting increase the risk of disease?  Should Ramadan events be organized?  What precautions should be taken in places of worship? '  Such questions were included.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a guide on measures that can be taken during social and religious practices in Ramadan in Muslim countries.

 According to the BBC report, many issues were addressed in the guide published by WHO, from the cleansing of worship to whether or not fasting increases the risk of developing the disease.

 DOES HOLDING A CROSS INCREASE THE COVID-19 RISK?

 The World Health Organization says there is no scientific study on the relationship between Covid-19 and fasting.

 The organization, which noted that healthy people should not have any drawbacks in fasting as in previous years, recommends that COVID-19 patients consult their physicians, as in any other disease.  It is recommended to consume fresh and unprocessed food and drink plenty of water during Ramadan.
SHOULD THE RAMADAN EVENTS BE REGULATED?

 WHO recommends that politicians “seriously” revoke the cancellation of social and religious gatherings after assessing the risks, if this is not possible, “measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread” should be taken during events.

 He makes the following suggestions on social distancing:

 * Always keep at least 1 meter distance between people
 * Adopt greetings to prevent physical contact, such as waving hands, shaking hands, putting hands on the heart
 * Prevent many people from gathering in places such as entertainment places, markets, shops within the framework of Ramadan events

 Recommendations to the high-risk group:

 * Encourage people who do not feel well or show signs of COVID-19 not to participate in the activities and to take nationally determined steps
 * Warn older people and those with chronic illnesses (such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer) not to participate in meetings

 

 WHICH MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN EVENTS?

 WHO also lists its recommendations regarding the places where Ramadan events will be held.

 * These suggestions include organizing the event outdoors, if possible, when this is not possible, it is desirable to ensure that the interiors have adequate ventilation and airflow.

 * To reduce the possibility of exposure to the virus, shorten the duration of the activity, organize meetings with fewer people instead of large gatherings, and observe the social distance rules while the participants are standing, sitting or praying.

 * In the event that the person participating in an event is found to be sick, measures are also required to be taken in order to carry out fillation studies.

WHICH MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN Mosques?

 * WHO notes that the places should be cleaned with "detergent and disinfectant" regularly before and after each meeting in places of worship.

 * It is noted that the general hygiene and health rules must be followed in the mosques.  People are also asked to be encouraged to use their personal prayer rugs.

 * It is also stated that frequently touched places such as door handles, electric switches and stair handrails should be cleaned frequently with detergent and disinfectant.

 ATTENTION TO THE IFTAR BUFFETS!

 * WHO wants the social distance to be maintained during the distribution of zakat.


 * WHO's recommendations are not limited to these.  In the guide, which is stated that smoking is not recommended in all conditions, it is requested not to be consumed especially during the Covid-19 outbreak:

 “While smoking, fingers (and potentially infected cigarettes) touch the lips, increasing the likelihood that the virus will enter the respiratory tract.  It allows the virus to spread as hookahs and hoses are likely to be used by many when using hookahs. ”

 * The 'mental and psychosocial health' section of the guide emphasizes the importance of giving trust to believers that they can pray while maintaining a healthy distance.  In addition to the messages of hope and solace, special prayers for sick people, methods of applying the requirements of Ramadan while protecting public health are called.

 RELIGIOUS LEADERS SHOULD CALL AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 * WHO warns that domestic violence may increase, especially in women, children, and those who suffer discrimination, where there are restrictions on curfew, "Religious leaders can clearly raise their voices against violence and support victims or encourage them to seek help."

 WHAT MEASURES AS RECEIVED IN Pakistan?

 * Within the scope of the circular sent to the governorship of 4 provinces during the week, the Ministry of Internal Affairs banned the establishment of collective iftar tents and activities such as collective iftar and sahur in Ramadan this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

 * During the month of Ramadan, it was announced that shrine visits will also be restricted.

 * In Ramadan, inspections regarding social distance and mask use will be increased in all areas where the density may increase, especially in the markets and market places.

 * According to the circular, the number of vehicles and trips used in public transportation will be increased at least 3 hours before the iftar hour in order to prevent the traffic density that may occur before iftar hours.

 * It was noted that the closure of the streets that citizens used or could use between iftar and sahur times would also be evaluated.

 * It is also among the warnings made in the circular that inspections will be made in public transport and stops before the iftar hour regarding the use of social distance and masks.