From participating in online bazaars to limiting visitations, here's how you can tweak your plans to have a safe Hari Raya Puasa
This week, Singaporeans were met with the news that the country would be going back into Phase 2 and that more restrictions would be imposed till May 30 in an attempt to contain a recent outbreak of community Covid-19 cases.
At the press conference, which was held on May 4, the multi-ministry task force announced that social gatherings would be reduced from groups of eight people to five from May 8. They also required more people to work from home, put new limits on religious services and closed all indoor gyms and fitness centres.
(Related: Singapore Returns to Phase 2: New Covid-19 Social Distancing Rules You Need to Know)
This may be disappointing for Singaporeans considering that how a number of celebrations such as Mother's Day, Hari Raya Puasa and Vesak Day are around the corner.
In particular, Hari Raya Puasa is set to be a very different affair. The celebration is a highly-anticipated event for Muslims after a month of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset to teach themselves how to discipline their body and mind and to restrain themselves from earthly pleasures. It is a very significant and holy time of the year.
Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of this fasting. This year, it will fall on May 13 and will mark a time of forgiveness and the strengthening of bonds between family members.
If you are left scrambling as you readjust your Hari Raya Puasa plans, read on to find out about the Covid-19 guidelines in Singapore. Here are all the ways you can alter your plans to celebrate this special day while also following the restrictions.
(Related: Ramadan 2021: 5 Things to Know About the Fasting Month in Singapore)
Limit visitations
Hari Raya Puasa is often marked by families visiting each other in their homes and enjoying food and drinks together. Visitations typically will begin at the homes of parents. It is customary for Muslims to then ask their parents for forgiveness for any wrongdoings they might have committed in the year.
Muslim males also typically visit the mosque and recite special prayers on the morning of Hari Raya Puasa.
This year, only five people are allowed at a house at any one time. Citizens are also strongly encouraged to have no more than two social gatherings in a day. Try to limit who you visit this Hari Raya Puasa and keep visits short. If possible, set up virtual visits in lieu of physical ones.
(Related: Singapore Tightens Covid-19 Restrictions, Public Urged to Limit Social Gatherings to 2 a Day)
