Physical distancing during Ramadan

It is vital that everyone continues to follow physical distancing guidance over the Ramadan period.

This means staying at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. You should only leave your house for the following limited purposes:

• Shopping for necessities, such as food and medicine, which must be done as infrequently as possible

• One form of exercise a day, such as running or walking. This can be done alone or with members of your household

• Any medical need, to avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or help to a vulnerable person

• Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from homeIf you have to go out, you must stay two metres (6 feet) away from other people at all times and wear a mask or covering. Make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with anti-bacterial soap as soon as you get home.

In line with government guidance, Mosques will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted. You should continue to pray at home and must not invite anyone outside of your household for prayers or Iftar.

When greeting people please avoid hugging or shaking hands and replace with a bow, a nod or a wave instead.

There are still ways you can engage with your community while staying at home during Ramadan. Open Iftar is providing a way to virtually interact every day with guest speakers and meals over the video calling application Zoom. They will also be live streaming the Call to Prayer each day on Facebook.

Further information
Find out more about how to get help if you are vulnerable or at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has now posted resources. We will continue to share anything else that comes out from community faith network contacts.
The East London Mosque have provided advice on how to pray in congregation with your family at home.

There will also be live East London Mosque broadcasts of Q&A sessions by Imams and call to prayers.

For healthy meal ideas, visit nhs.uk/LiveWell

Having a healthy fast

For anyone who is fasting over Ramadan, it’s important to stay healthy and maintain a balanced diet. You can stay healthy by:

• Avoiding long periods of time in the sun

• Drinking plenty of plain water during non-fasting hours

• Cutting back on all types of caffeinated drinks including tea, coffee and fizzy drinks

• Eating a balanced diet during non-fasting hours to keep your body functioning properly during the day. Foods that release energy slowly, including natural unrefined carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, fruits) and protein (meat, fish, eggs, beans), will help you maintain your energy levels

• Quit smoking and paan. This is an ideal opportunity as giving up smoking during daylight hours means you’re already halfway there. Quitting can have immediate health benefits, including improved blood pressure levels and blood circulation. Support is available from smoking cessation service Quit Right Tower Hamlets on their website or by calling 02078828230