Doctor Reisa: Consume Healthy And Nutritious Food While Fasting

JAKARTA - Government Spokesperson for Handling COVID-19 Reisa Broto Asmoro appealed to Muslims to consume healthy and nutritious food while fasting during the holy month of Ramadan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Hopefully we can carry out Ramadan worship smoothly and stay healthy," said Reisa, in a press statement that was broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Reisa invites Muslims to carry out worship in the month of Ramadan in a comfortable and optimal manner, namely by always wearing a mask when worshiping at the mosque, enjoying healthy and nutritious food at dawn and breaking fast, and doing physical activity.

Reisa also appealed to the public to avoid smoking and stress, to undergo complete vaccinations and booster doses and to implement health protocols.

When performing the Tarawih Prayers in congregation at the mosque, residents are advised to continue to carry out health protocols in a disciplined manner, especially using masks properly, bringing their own worship equipment, and washing hands after handling objects in public areas.

"If someone is sick, whether it's mild, just coughing a cold, it's best if you worship at home first, so you don't infect other people or because you're not fit so you don't get infected with a more serious disease," said Reisa.

The Ministry of Religion has issued Circular Number 8 of 2022 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijriyah Worship.

One of the points stated in the circular is that people who hold joint iftar activities, joint sahur, or Eid open houses must pay attention to personal health and health protocols.

"Don't force it if our body condition is not fit. Two years in the pandemic taught us that we must rest at home if our health condition is not excellent because if we force it, we will endanger ourselves and others," said Reisa.

The circular also states that COVID-19 vaccination can be carried out in the month of Ramadan by following health guidelines.

Reisa invites the public to strengthen their determination to end the pandemic towards a transition to a period of recovery that will make the Indonesian nation healthier and stronger.

"Let's actually create Ramadan a month of blessings, a month that is calming, healthy and joyful for the whole community," she said.