Avoid social gatherings during Ramadan, urges NHS

THE NHS has urged Muslim community to avoid social gatherings during the Islamic holy month starting next week because of the risk of COVID-19.

This year Ramadan starts on Thursday or Friday (April 23 or 24), depending on the sighting of the new moon. It lasts for 29-30 days and ends with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday May 24.

Eid is the festival of fast breaking where traditionally family and friends get together to attend special prayers and celebrate the end of the holy month.

“The whole of the UK is continuing to make huge efforts and sacrifices to delay the spread of the coronavirus. As Ramadan and Eid occur during the projected peak of COVID-19, the NHS has issued additional guidance as part of a package of wellbeing support for all NHS people," said Dr Habib Naqvi, NHS Deputy Director Workforce Race Equality Standard.

“This is another critical period where Muslims, along with other communities, should make use of online platforms and alternative approaches to communicate with family and friends and stick with government guidelines regarding social distancing. The coronavirus restrictions are still very likely to be place by Eid, so the key message remains: stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives."

A statement from the NHS has said that additional guidance and key advice have also been issued to NHS managers and staff working in hospitals and healthcare settings to cover adjustments over working hours and fasting arrangements for Muslim colleagues who are not eating or drinking during daylight hours until evening sunset.

The NHS has a diverse workforce with an estimated 3.3 per cent of the 1.4 million NHS workers being from a Muslim background.