A Covid caution in a time of celebration

The ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast,’ Eid al Fitr, is upon us, bringing to an end the second Ramadhan deeply affected by the global pandemic.

More than any other time, this year’s Eid must continue the reflective nature of Ramadan, but not in the nature of personal reflection on faith, more a wider reflection as to how this Eid can be celebrated while maintaining the health and wellbeing of the family, community, and society.

While Eid is a key element of the Islamic faith, and rightly a celebration, there is potential for a significant pandemic blowback, if families seek the usual (pre-pandemic) levels of family and social engagement. While understanding it is difficult, especially for the elderly, and the young, to be restrained, to be separated, during this time of celebration, now is the time for the family leaders to be strong, and rather than what they want to be and do… to be what they need to be and do what they need to do.

That Covid-19 figures continue to be high reflects a community that is ignoring the needs of the pandemic in terms of distancing, masking, and personal hygiene, by ignoring the society’s need for honesty and integrity when managing the effects of the virus. Too many are ignoring the symptoms of Covid as they feel they will be alienated and excluded from their peers. In doing so, their health is becoming more fragile, and they are infecting, and affecting, family, friends, and associates.

Covid-19 is not discretionary, it will not pass you by because you are a good person, because you are a strong person, because you are wealthy, or because you are beautiful, handsome, intelligent, important, Omani, expatriate, or because you have never had a sick day in your life!

Covid-19 is deadly, brutal, harmful even to those who survive with a greatly affected quality of life.

Covid-19 has no conscience, no limits, it is, for now, unrelenting, and all it needs is an opportunity.

Covid-19 can be asymptomatic, which means that you may be spreading the virus, even if you have no symptoms.

By all means… Eid Mubarak… celebrate the occasion of Eid al Fitr, but please do not let down your guard… this insidious foe is very much more than an inconvenience.