COVID 19 Not Yet Completed, Lung Specialist Urges Congregational Tarawih Prayers To Use Masks

JAKARTA - The Central Board of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) appealed for tarawih worship in 2023 to be carried out while still wearing masks and complying with applicable health protocols because the COVID 19 pandemic is not over yet.

"Currently, before Ramadan, it's time to gather and we really have to be careful," said PP PDPI Infection Pokja Secretary Irawaty Djaharuddin as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, March 21.

Ira reminded that COVID-19 in Indonesia is currently still stalking the public, although the trend of positive and active cases tends to be lower than in previous years.

Moreover, there are still many people who have low immune systems and have comorbid diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

By wearing masks when worshiping, the community can help others, especially for the elderly to reduce the high risk of being infected with COVID-19 because based on a number of studies, the main factor in severe COVID-19 symptoms is comorbidities so that they really have to be watched out for.

"Please be aware that people who are elderly, their body defenses are not as suitable or as good as those who are young or people who have high body power," said Ira.

According to Ira, the public is allowed not to use the KN95 mask type. Tarawih can be followed by using an ordinary surgical mask, which is considered enough to protect yourself in the mosque.

On the other hand, PDPI recommends that people reduce smoking habits because this can make it easier for viruses or germs to enter the respiratory tract.

Furthermore, due to the habit of people who like to have physical contact, such as shaking hands or kissing both sides of their relatives' cheeks, Ira advised the public to tighten their health protocols by diligently washing their hands with soap or hand sanitizer.

If possible, it is hoped that the community can reduce these physical contacts so that they can ensure that their body condition remains in a healthy condition and is maintained from viral infection.

Another thing that needs to be watched out for is that later, if we have the flu, try not to come into close contact with other people. So keep the protocol like that," said Ira.

Meanwhile, PDPI Infection Pokja Member Fathiyah Isbaniah added that wearing masks must still be used when doing activities.

In accordance with the appeal from the COVID-19 Task Force, masks must be used especially when doing activities in a closed room and crowding. He also asked the public to immediately complete the vaccination dose before carrying out the 2023 homecoming.

"Finishing the current vaccination status is now the fourth dose, especially for the elderly and people who have comorbidities. Likewise, the children for the covid vaccine are already available," he said.