COVID-19 pandemic and Ramadan: Minimizing the risk of exacerbation of disease

Abstract

Nations across the globe have taken multiple steps for the control and the effective containment of the corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Amidst the developments of the COVID-19 around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is about to begin from the latest in April month. However, from the perspective of the COVID-19 containment, this can turn out to be an important event, as it will enhance the prospects of staying in close proximity and thereby increases the chance of the transmission of the infection from one person to another. In these difficult times, it is essential to make informed decisions for organizing any religious gathering and even consider the possibility of canceling the same depending upon the level of transmission in the nation and the preparedness of the health sector. In conclusion, Ramadan is an important religious event, nevertheless amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is the responsibility of the national and religious leaders to take a well-informed and scientific decision to safeguard the lives of people and also not create any opportunity for the exacerbation of the disease.