Dr. Yousef Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital.
Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) Dr. Yousef Al Maslamani has said that the COVID-19 has led to changes in many aspects of daily life, which will also continue during the holy month of Ramadan, a matter which affirms the need that everyone continues to adhere to infection control measures that helps save many lives.
Dr. Al Maslamani added that Ramadan this year will be different as the virus has affected the daily lifestyle, therefore, there are changes in many things that one accustomed to during Ramadan each year, including family and friend visits, having Iftar together and praying together, adding everyone should continue to apply all necessary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, the most important of which is social distance and adherence to infection control practices to maintain the safety of the individual and the safety of others.
He explained that the month of Ramadan represents a special occasion for all in view of its distinguished atmosphere, and it is natural for some to feel some discomfort as a result of the lack to such atmosphere, including large family gatherings and Tarawih prayers in the mosque, especially as many families spend few days before the holy month preparing for this month by purchasing their food needs to prepare traditional meals and shopping for gifts, clothes and decorations.
Spending Ramadan safely and happily this year requires time planning, Dr. Al Maslamani said, adding purchasing foodstuffs should be done online when possible and it is better to prepare a list of products and plan in advance if it is necessary to go to the market by buying what is enough for two weeks to reduce the number of times needed to go to the shopping centers.
He warned that visiting places where large groups of people exist increase the risk of exposure to the virus, thereby endangering the safety of family members.
He said that limiting direct contact with people as much as possible is the best way to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as the infected person can transmit the disease to others before one knows about his/her infection, which may inadvertently cause others to be at risk, especially people at greater risk of developing severe health complications if they become infected.
Dr. Al Maslamani reaffirmed the crucial importance of physical distance, by avoiding the traditional methods of greeting others, including shaking hands, kissing, and hugging.
