Share food, not plates at iftar

Dubai Municipality shares safety tips, launches social media contest

This Ramadan, share meals, not plates, even if its with your family, Dubai Municipality advised residents amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The municipality shared the advice in the first episode of its ‘Virtual Ramadan Tent’ initiative where topics of interest to families will be discussed every Saturday during Ramadan.

Dubai has banned Ramadan gatherings and restricted iftar and suhour to family members.

Dr Mohammad Salman Khan, GP, general medicine with Aster Clinic, Al Ghusais, explained that the custom of having big family meals from large plates and pots together, especially during iftar, can pose a risk. “This practice is a strict no-no during the pandemic as you are putting your hands in the same plate. If anybody is infected, there is a higher chance of the virus spreading to the whole family.”

He added: “One might get exposed to the virus when going to work or shopping. In the early period of infection, you may be asymptomatic, but have the virus in your nostrils.”

He advised families should keep separate plates, glasses and spoons marked for each members and wash them with soap after use.

The municipality has also announced a weekly social media contest titled #StayHealthyInRamadan. Taking place on Dubai Municipality’s Instagram account, the contest will offer prizes from the nearest Choithrams to [select] people who share correct answers in comments, the civic body said in a tweet.

The civic body is also monitoring precautionary measures at food establishments.