Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) – The Department of Health reminded Muslims on Thursday to observe Ramadan activities at home amid the continuing COVID-19 threat in the country.
DOH Spokesperson Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire also reiterated the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine guidelines that need to be observed while performing Ramadan-related activities in their homes.
“Mahirap man ay pinapayo ng kagawaran na hangga’t maari ay sundin pa rin natin ang mga protocols ng ECQ katulad ng physical distancing, madalas na paghugas ng kamay, at cough etiquette,” said Vergeire in the department’s daily press briefing.
[Translation: It is hard but the department is advises following all protocols of the ECQ, such as physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and cough etiquette.]
Ramadan is the yearly month-long Islamic commemoration of the first revelation to Prophet Mohammad, founder of Islam, which is one of the religion’s foundations inscribed in their holy book Quran.
During this period, Muslims partake in fasting where they are not allowed to eat or drink during the day.
Ramadan is usually observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This year’s Ramadan will start tomorrow, April 24, up to May 23.
The last day of Ramadan is known as Eid al-Fitr, a regular holiday in solidarity to the around 11 million Muslims in the country.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos issued a memorandum order suspending Tarawih, one of the Ramadan practices which entails the additional prayers performed at nighttime.
In his message, President Rodrigo Duterte hoped the country’s Muslim community will spend Ramadan in contemplation of the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
READ: Duterte hopes Ramadan will give peace amid challenges, erase misguided’ beliefs
As of the latest tally by the DOH made public this afternoon, the country now has confirmed 6,981 COVID-19 cases along with 462 deaths and 722 recoveries.
