How to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr amid COVID-19 Health Protocols

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Islam’s Eid al-Fitr celebration, known by Indonesians as “lebaran,” is about to arrive in a couple of days. However, this year's Eid will certainly be a stark difference compared to previous years due to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has also hit Indonesia.

A tradition that cannot be separated from Lebaran is the act of visiting neighbors and relatives to maintain social bonds (silaturahmi). However, the pandemic physical distancing protocol mandates against doing handshakes as it would only increase the risk of spreading the virus. 

So, how should Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid al-Fitr? Here are aspects of the celebration that need to be adjusted to the COVID-19 health protocols.    

1. Stay at home. Refrain from visiting neighbors or relatives and do not gather in large masses.
2. Conduct the Eid prayers at home, or for migrant students and workers, with your quarantine friends. 
3. Do not gather in a group of more than five as the large-scale social distancing (PSBB) bans large gatherings. 
4. Even if you urgently have to meet people, maintain physical distance at a minimum of one-meter among each other. 
5. Strictly refrain from shaking hands. It would not be worth the risk of contracting COVID-19. 
6. You can always conduct ‘silaturahmi’ in a virtual way as there are many video call apps available online. Seeing the image of your loved ones through your smartphone or computer device can slightly compensate for your homesickness right?
7. Maintain a good immune system by eating and drinking healthy as it can help you prevent from contracting to COVID-19. 
8. If there are situations where you cannot prevent visitors into your home, always prepare disinfectants and disinfect your home after they leave as a precaution. 

BISNIS