Saturday 21 / December / 2024
Ramadan has always been about togetherness, consideration towards others, and being grateful for what we have. Those who are fasting during the Holy Month say these ideals are very important in working towards pushing back the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Ahmed Al Hooti: Don’t misuse relaxed COVID rules
The government has extended the timings for restaurants and supermarkets so that all of us can finish our shopping on time,” said the Omani national, who serves as the head of economic research for the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The point of this extension is to avoid overcrowding during closing time.
The shops will also be open earlier in the day, so you cannot say you do not have time to shop for your essentials,” he added. “Please also do not spend more time than is necessary in places like malls and department stores, because shops are now operating at reduced capacity. If you spend longer, it means someone else will have less time to shop.
Dr Syed Mujahid Hussain: Plan your shopping early
If you are fasting, then you finish work early, which means you have a good amount of time to go shopping and finish other essential work for your family,” said Mujahid, who holds dual nationality of both Finland and Pakistan. “If you are not, then please go either before or after your work hours. This way, there is less crowding in supermarkets and other public places.
We spent iftar at home last year as well, so we are used to it,” added Mujahid, who is the head of the Department of Economics and Finance at the College of Economics and Political Science at Sultan Qaboos University. “We hope everyone follows the rules this time, because all of us would like to see the end of this pandemic.
Elnaz Valaei: Iftar will be spent at home this year
The Iranian national hoped everyone would follow all of the protocols related to stopping the spread of COVID-19, so that life can steadily return to normal.
"It is only natural for us to go out with our friends and family during this time…of course I miss going out with them, but if following these rules is going to lead to a faster end to the pandemic, then it is a small price to pay,” added the Arab Open University lecturer.
“Fortunately, we have many alternative methods of keeping in touch that allows us to keep in touch with them,” she added. “Let us all work together towards staying safe from COVID-19.”
Nasreen Khalid: Find ways to entertain your family at home
“All of my family know the importance of following the protocols that have been put in place for this year,” said the British national, who is of Malaysian origin. “With two boys, it can sometimes be tough to entertain the children at home, but we have used this time to grow closer together.
“I understand it is challenging for many people right now, with many entertainment avenues not open to them: parks remain closed, commercial activities have to stop at 8pm, sports classes are suspended, but we can always learn to make the most of this time,” added Nasreen, who is employed in the country’s oil and gas sector.”
Bassl Koukash: Follow COVID protocols so that our children can go back to school
“It has been far too long since our children have had the opportunity to go to school and enjoy the many extracurricular activities that had a big impact on their development,” admitted the Syrian national, who is co-founder of Omani tech SME Atoms Labs. “For the sake of all of our children, let us follow the rules so that the end of the pandemic draws close. If we do not, then stricter protocols may be imposed on all of us.”
“The move to online classes was needed, but our children’s daily routine has been disrupted by the pandemic,” he added. “I would love for everyone’s young ones to go out again, play, and be free, and we all have to cooperate for that to happen. I am sure, after all, that no one wants to see their children at home all the time.” –[email protected]
