Ramadan is here! This is the second year in which we must fast in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even so, the spirit of Ramadan must still be celebrated until the day of victory of Eid al-Fitr. Even though it is still in the times of pandemic, Muslims who are in good health are still allowed to fast, this applies to Muslims who do not have previous chronic diseases. To protect yourself while observing Ramadan, there are tips for you to stay safe while fasting during a pandemic.
Implement a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy diet should not be exclusive to Ramadan. But, during Ramadan, it is highly recommended to consume nutritious foods, rich with sources of protein carbohydrates, good fats, vegetables, and fruits, during suhoor and iftar. You can choose a source of complex carbohydrates such as brown/white rice, potatoes, corn, and yams. Don't forget to consume enough vegetables and fruits to meet daily intake of vitamins and minerals which are very important for your immune system. Dark green vegetables and colored fruits will help you meet the needs of vitamin C and vitamin E that play a role in improving the immune system.
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, drinking more water during suhoor and iftar also helps you maintain your immune system and avoid dehydration that will interfere with health conditions. For adults, the adequacy of drinking for a day is about 8 glasses, this can be divided at breaking the fast and suhoor time.
Aside from a healthy diet, light physical activity or sports is also recommended during Ramadan to maintain your fitness. Also make sure that you get enough rest, by sleeping at least seven hours. Adequate rest will help to maintain immune power and keep your body in shape.
Observe Protocol When Worshiping in Places of Worship
Unlike the previous year when praying activities in mosques and other places of worship are prohibited, this Ramadan the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government made a policy that allows people to pray in mosques with half of normal capacity. Even though it's partially allowed, you still have to observe strict health protocols. This includes bringing your own mukena or sarong and prayer mat. You can also do a number of other things such as ablution at home, provide a minimum social distance of two meters, wash your hands as often as possible, and of course make sure to keep using a mask.
Ensure Cleanliness When Buying Food
When you have to leave the house to buy food at the restaurant, make sure the cleanliness is properly maintained in the place where you buy the food. Avoid buying food in crowded places and not implementing health protocols. In this difficult situation, it is better to be more thorough and ensure the cleanliness of the food you are going to buy. You can also use food delivery services to minimize coming to a crowded place. Don't forget to wash your hands with soap before eating.
Avoid Eating in Public Places
In accordance with Governor Decree No. 434 of 2021, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government allows eating in restaurants and cafes with 50% of normal capacity. However, it is still highly recommended to avoid eating for suhoor or breaking fast in public places. Instead, you can do suhoor and iftar with your family at home. That way, you can also increase the time you spend with your family at home. You can be creative by cooking suhoor and iftar together. Or, if you want to be more hassle free, you can also order food deliveries and eat it with your family at home.
Do Vaccination to Maintain Your Immune System
For those of you who have got a vaccination schedule but are hesitant to vaccinate in the fasting month, you do not need to hesitate anymore. Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has insisted fasting should not be an excuse for people to avoid the Covid-19 vaccine. This is stated also through Fatwa No. 13 of 2021 on Covid-19 Vaccination Law. In the case of Covid-19 vaccination, the vaccine is administered by injecting the drug or vaccine through the muscles. This model is also known as intramuscular injection, so the vaccination is declared not breaking your fasting.
You can find out all information related to vaccination in Jakarta through the corona.jakarta.go.id website or through the JAKI app that you can download on the Google Play Store and App Store.
Well, you can apply these tips to fast during this pandemic. Don't forget to apply the 3M health protocol (handwashing, wearing a mask, keeping your distance) in all your activities, OK! Happy fasting, Smartcitizen!
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