OBSERVE Ramadan safely during the pandemic and make sure you get vaccinated – that is the message from the region’s healthcare officials.
Local health leaders at Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust (CWPT) are encouraging everyone to not delay in getting their first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccination during Ramadan.
Ramadan, which began on Monday (April 12), is usually a time for the Muslim community to gather with friends and family and in Mosques to break the fast and pray together. Mosques will be open this year, unlike in 2020, but the public are still instructed to not mix with other households and for Mosques to keep practicing social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus.
The Muslim Council of Britain has recommended a number of ways Muslims across Britain can enjoy Ramadan both socially and spiritually. The #SafeRamadan guidance offers alternatives like virtual iftars, tuning into local Mosques’ livestreaming, and small outdoor gatherings between households, providing they follow local lockdown rules.
To bust a number of Covid myths in circulation, the British Islamic Medical Association has consulted with Islamic scholars and are advising that receiving the Covid vaccine does not invalidate the fast. It is not nutrition, nor does the vaccine contain any pork or other animal, foetal or alcohol products.
Rano Bains, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at CWPT, wants to encourage all those in the Muslim community of Coventry and Warwickshire who have been invited to receive their vaccine, saying: “Much like in 2020, this Ramadan will continue to look very different but the vast majority of scholars have deemed taking the Covid-19 vaccine whilst fasting during Ramadan as permissible, and it remains the most effective and best way of protecting yourself and your loved ones.
“If you have concerns about the vaccine, please talk to a healthcare professional.”
Dr Sharon Binyon, Medical Director at CWPT, also wants to stress the importance of looking after your physical and mental wellbeing.
She said: “As we enter the month of Ramadan, I hope that you will have the chance to mark this with your friends and family.
“We have been in one form of lockdown or another for over a year now and while we are all hoping to be gradually lifting these restrictions, it is vitally important that whilst observing these important events you continue to follow social distancing guidance and only meet with six people or two households outside or consider celebrating with family online.”
Visit https://mcb.org.uk/resources/ramadan for more information from the Muslim Council about fasting during Ramadan.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/3scuvjbv for more information about the Covid-19 vaccine, including FAQs and more information about the vaccine being free of pork products.
