If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it is better not to perform the tarawih prayer at a mosqueJakarta (ANTARA) - Head of behavior change at the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Sonny Harry B. Harmadi appealed to people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to not partake in the congregational tarawih prayer at mosques.
"If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it is better not to perform the tarawih prayer at a mosque," he noted during an online talk show titled "Take care of your heart, immunity and health in the month of Ramadan,” on Tuesday.
Harmadi deemed it crucial for Muslims to ensure they are in good health before conducting worship activities at mosques.
Moreover, people are urged to continue wearing masks the right way.
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"We must wear masks, as we do not know about the condition of people next to us, whether they had contracted COVID-19 or not," he stated.
In addition, he appealed that the mosque congregation members bring their own worship equipment and perform their wudu (ablution) at home.
The task force also urged vulnerable groups, such as older adults and children, who have not been vaccinated and people with comorbidities to conduct worship activities at home.
Meanwhile, mosque administrators are urged to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation in the mosque.
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He noted that social distancing while praying could be adjusted by following the level of public activity restrictions (PPKM) in the respective region.
For the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs had earlier issued a circular concerning health protocols during worship activities. The circular regulates provisions related to congregational worship activities, such as tarawih prayer, obligatory prayers, and Itikaf, that are implemented by still taking into account the maximum capacity.
The circular allows places of worship in regions with Level 1 PPKM to open at 100-percent capacity.
The circular also regulates the capacity of places of worship in regions with levels 2 and 3 PPKM. According to the circular, the capacity of places of worship in regions with Level 2 PPKM has been capped at 75 percent and Level 3 PPKM at 50 percent.
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Translator: Anita Pertama, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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