Does Corona virus affect fasting?

The holy month of Ramadan this year comes with the outbreak of the new epidemic of Corona virus, which causes Covid-19 disease in the world. Does this virus affect fasting? What are the tips for a healthy fast and also to prevent corona disease?

The holy month of Ramadan is a guest of Muslim homes this year between April and May, with many countries taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease, including the prevention of religious gatherings and the closure of mosques, although the main feature of this month is characterized by i'tikaaf in mosques and social gatherings around Breakfast tables and with families and friends.

The World Health Organization has issued special guidelines for "safe Ramadan practices in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic", while international efforts to find a vaccine and drug for the disease are continuing, especially as infection is spread by close contact, respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

According to the World Health Organization, no studies have yet been done to find out the association of the disease with fasting, but they have confirmed that healthy people can fast, but patients advised Covid-19 to take a legal permit to refrain from fasting, in consultation with their doctors.

The organization called for proper healthy nutrition during the fasting period, drinking sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor, and eating fresh, untreated food.

Fingertips contact
With regard to smokers, the organization stressed the need to refrain from tobacco use in all circumstances, especially during the month of Ramadan and in light of the pandemic, especially that contact with fingers and mouth with cigarettes and shisha - especially when partnering with more than one person - greatly facilitates the transmission of infection.

The World Health Organization notes the importance of following individuals in any gathering physical separation procedures, maintaining a traveler at least one meter between them at all times, and committing to extradition without touching hands or kissing.

The organization stresses the importance of preventing any gatherings associated with the month of Ramadan, such as those that occur in banquets, markets and entertainment places, and compensating them with virtual alternatives such as television, the Internet and social media.

However, if the gathering is necessary, care should be taken, and every possible measure should be taken to limit the transmission of Covid-19.

In its guidelines, the organization called on those who show symptoms to avoid gatherings and seek treatment in the event of feeling unwell or symptoms appear, and also called on the elderly and chronic disease owners to avoid religious and social gatherings as they are most vulnerable to severe disease that may lead to death.

One of the advice provided by the World Health Organization to mitigate the impact of gatherings during the holy month of Ramadan is that if a gathering is allowed in Ramadan, it is advised to hold it in open places or closed places with adequate ventilation, while shortening the effectiveness of the event as much as possible.

The gatherings can be divided into small groups instead of reviving activities in large gatherings, maintaining physical distance by designating places for each individual when performing prayer and ablution, and organizing entry to and out of mosques and gathering places to prevent crowds and crowds.

The organization indicated that it is possible to provide gathering places with visual displays to remind people of coughs and sneezes, and general messages about disease prevention.

Soap
The World Health Organization also recommended providing soap along with ablution facilities and alcoholic solutions to sterilize hands when entering or exiting mosques. The organization encourages the use of prayer rugs for each person and refraining from praying on public rugs.

Also preventive measures are routine cleaning of gathering and ablution areas, door handles, lighting switches and stair rails, using antiseptics and alcohol.