IN THIS POST
– What is social distancing
– Avoid iftar and sehri gatherings
– Hold virtual get-togethers
– Limit trips to the grocery store
– Opt for online shopping
– Make donations online
The holy month of Ramadan is almost here and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down. Owing to a continuous rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across the globe, almost all countries including Pakistan are still under different stages of lockdown to slow down the spread of the potentially deadly disease. Health experts have deemed social distancing as the most effective way to prevent the virus, with authorities asking people to stay indoors and avoid any social gatherings. Since this sacred month is traditionally the time when families and friends come together to share a meal and celebrate their blessings, one of the biggest concerns right now among people is how can one practice social distancing during Ramadan.
The thing is, you can definitely celebrate Ramadan while social distancing. Although it might seem a little unconventional to some, one must remember that nothing is as important as the health of their family and loved ones. Not to mention, precaution is better than cure.
Social distancing during coronavirus is a necessity, which means you need to follow the recommendations of the health experts and government officials in order to stay safe from the virus that has affected over two million people across the world.
Before we discuss some easy ways to practice social distancing during Ramadan, let’s take a quick look at what this term actually means.
Social Distancing During Coronavirus
The outbreak of coronavirus in Pakistan has had a significant effect on our daily and work lives.
Practising social distancing means reducing person-to-person contact to help slow down the spread of infection through respiratory droplets, which are discharged when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While practising social distancing, one needs to maintain physical distance from other people, stay indoors, avoid attending any gatherings, and curtail every other form of social contact. Even if the other person seems healthy, one must practice caution as they could just be asymptomatic.
Some of the major dos and don’ts of social distancing during COVID-19 include:
- Staying at home
- Keeping a distance of 6 feet (minimum) from other people
- Not attending large gatherings or parties
- Limiting your trips outside of your home
- Asking your employer to allow you to work from home
- Avoiding banks, grocery stores, pharmacies etc. Instead, opt for online banking and shopping
How to Practice Social Distancing During Ramadan
Here are some simple tips that can help you and your family stay safe this Ramadan during COVID-19:
- Avoid iftar and sehri gatherings
- Hold virtual get-togethers
- Limit trips to the grocery store
- Opt for online shopping
- Make donations online
Taking these preventive measures during Ramadan can save countless lives. Not to mention, practising social distancing during this month will also allow you to dedicate more time to prayers and other religious activities.
Let’s discuss each of these tips on how to spend Ramadan during COVID-19 in detail.
Avoid iftar and sehri gatherings
Iftar gatherings are considered one of the most important parts of Ramadan. After an entire day of fasting, you get a chance to sit down with your family and loved ones to break the fast and enjoy a hearty meal. Similarly, sehri gatherings have also become somewhat of a trend in Pakistan, where families and friends come together to share a meal before the dawn.
However, due to the outbreak of coronavirus, it is recommended to avoid attending or hosting any such gatherings this year – or until the authorities confirm that the pandemic is finally over.
This is one of the most crucial aspects of practising social distancing during Ramadan.
Hold virtual get-togethers
Thanks to the advancements in technology, you can celebrate Ramadan with your loved ones while practising social distancing during coronavirus.
Instead of meeting your relatives and friends in person, you can use Skype, Zoom and other apps to hold virtual get-togethers. All you need is a smartphone and a stable internet connection, and you’re good to go.
Limit trips to the grocery store
Grocery stores and supermarkets are some of the most crowded places in the city during Ramadan. Add a global pandemic to the mix and you have a large number of panicked shoppers roaming the aisles with their trolleys filled to the brim.
Firstly, panic buying and hoarding grocery items is not a solution at all. Secondly, you must avoid visiting the store to reduce the risk of catching coronavirus from an infected person. If possible, you should try and order your groceries and other household supplies online.
In case such services aren’t available due to the lockdown, we’ve compiled a coronavirus grocery list that will sustain you and your family for 15 to 20 days without having to leaving the house.
Opt for online shopping
Preparing for Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most joyous aspects of Ramadan. Since most shopping malls and outlets are currently closed due to the situation at hand, some people might be feeling disheartened by the fact that they won’t be able to celebrate Eid the same way they did before the coronavirus outbreak.
Although this pandemic has greatly impacted our regular lifestyle, you can still do your Eid shopping from the safety of your home. Since we have been asked to avoid gatherings during COVID-19, you can simply shop online for what you need instead of visiting a store physically.
Just place an order online and make sure to properly disinfect the parcel after receiving it. Moreover, if possible, opt for making online payments to reduce any contact with another person.
Make donations online
A large number of lower-income families and daily wage earners across Pakistan are currently struggling to make the ends meet due to the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Since a lot of people give Zakat and charity during the sacred month of Ramadan, it is imperative that they do so while practising social distancing.
Almost all notable organizations collecting donations and charities for coronavirus in Pakistan are offering options for online payment on their respective websites. In fact, some non-profits like the Chhipa Welfare Association are even offering to send their representative to your doorstep to collect the donation.
Since the entire world is facing an unprecedented situation, it is suggested to follow all precautionary tips, such as regularly washing your hands and staying inside your homes, until things get better.
That’s a wrap for our guide on practising social distancing during Ramadan. If you have any queries or feedback, feel free to write to us on blog@zameen.com.
Furthermore, if you or anyone you know displays any symptoms of coronavirus, please make sure to call the state helpline at 1166 or visit a COVID-19 testing facility near your home. You must also follow the precautionary measures announced by the World Health Organisation and disinfect your home regularly to prevent the disease. Most importantly, please register yourself and your family members to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Pakistan. You can also learn more about the coronavirus vaccination centres and how to get the vaccine in our detailed guides on the topic.
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