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Tux, Gown, Masks: Arab Couples Scramble to Marry During a Pandemic Tux, Gown, Masks: Arab Couples Scramble to Marry During a Pandemic
(2 days later)
CAIRO — Carfuls of hooting men careened through the half-empty streets of Cairo, then skidded to a halt on Qasr el Nil, the most famous bridge over the Nile. A newly married couple leapt out, trailed by festive relatives, hoping for a coveted photo at an iconic beauty spot.CAIRO — Carfuls of hooting men careened through the half-empty streets of Cairo, then skidded to a halt on Qasr el Nil, the most famous bridge over the Nile. A newly married couple leapt out, trailed by festive relatives, hoping for a coveted photo at an iconic beauty spot.
The police, charged with enforcing social distancing, had other ideas. A tow truck prowled back and forth on the bridge, siren blaring, as officers barked orders at wedding parties and other lingerers to move on.The police, charged with enforcing social distancing, had other ideas. A tow truck prowled back and forth on the bridge, siren blaring, as officers barked orders at wedding parties and other lingerers to move on.
The same scene played out over several days last week in Cairo, where the minor matter of a global coronavirus pandemic has failed to quell couples’ ardor. Like many others across the Middle East, they have pushed ahead with weddings — even as wedding halls and hotels have shuttered, honeymoons evaporated and curfews slammed down.The same scene played out over several days last week in Cairo, where the minor matter of a global coronavirus pandemic has failed to quell couples’ ardor. Like many others across the Middle East, they have pushed ahead with weddings — even as wedding halls and hotels have shuttered, honeymoons evaporated and curfews slammed down.
Some countries are adapting. In the United Arab Emirates, hurried couples can now obtain wedding licenses online. In Kuwait, marriage courts offer services by special appointment. (Divorces, however, are unavailable.)Some countries are adapting. In the United Arab Emirates, hurried couples can now obtain wedding licenses online. In Kuwait, marriage courts offer services by special appointment. (Divorces, however, are unavailable.)
In Saudi Arabia, some couples have skipped the once-ironclad tradition of holding a wedding celebration before moving in together, even if they are already legally wed.In Saudi Arabia, some couples have skipped the once-ironclad tradition of holding a wedding celebration before moving in together, even if they are already legally wed.
In Egypt, couples have shrunk their ambitions to small family gatherings; others have flouted public health restrictions with secret parties and guerrilla photo shoots, despite the health risks.In Egypt, couples have shrunk their ambitions to small family gatherings; others have flouted public health restrictions with secret parties and guerrilla photo shoots, despite the health risks.
Their haste has stemmed from a desire to beat the deadline of Ramadan, which started Friday. The holy month is a solemn period when weddings are rare.Their haste has stemmed from a desire to beat the deadline of Ramadan, which started Friday. The holy month is a solemn period when weddings are rare.
With virus infections in Egypt still at the low end of the curve, about 3,900 cases for 100 million people, some wedding-goers seemed to believe they were invincible.With virus infections in Egypt still at the low end of the curve, about 3,900 cases for 100 million people, some wedding-goers seemed to believe they were invincible.
“This pandemic can’t touch us,” said a reveler named Islam, who gave just his first name as his wedding party scrambled to take photos on the bridge at a moment when the police were absent. The groom, in a tuxedo and sneakers, posed with the bride, in a white dress. Then everyone bundled into three cars and took off.“This pandemic can’t touch us,” said a reveler named Islam, who gave just his first name as his wedding party scrambled to take photos on the bridge at a moment when the police were absent. The groom, in a tuxedo and sneakers, posed with the bride, in a white dress. Then everyone bundled into three cars and took off.
Such scenes of determination, in the middle of a major health crisis, stem from a simple truth: Marriage may be important everywhere, but in the Middle East, it often cannot wait.Such scenes of determination, in the middle of a major health crisis, stem from a simple truth: Marriage may be important everywhere, but in the Middle East, it often cannot wait.
In most Arab countries, marriage confers independence, the right to live together, cash gifts, a culturally approved sex life and, for women, heightened status in societies still heavily tilted in favor of men.In most Arab countries, marriage confers independence, the right to live together, cash gifts, a culturally approved sex life and, for women, heightened status in societies still heavily tilted in favor of men.
“Marriage is the beginning of real life,” said Hania Sholkamy, an anthropologist at the American University in Cairo. “It’s the legitimation of a real sexual life. There’s a transfer of wealth. And it’s the start of procreation. In our culture, there’s a genuine relish of babies.”“Marriage is the beginning of real life,” said Hania Sholkamy, an anthropologist at the American University in Cairo. “It’s the legitimation of a real sexual life. There’s a transfer of wealth. And it’s the start of procreation. In our culture, there’s a genuine relish of babies.”
As the pandemic hurtled toward Saudi Arabia, Moath Mohammad, 23, and Manar Dhafer, 26, were forced to downsize their gender-segregated wedding in Riyadh until they were left with a hasty 10-person lunch for immediate family at home. Mr. Mohammad’s mother could not make it in time, so they looped her in on Snapchat.As the pandemic hurtled toward Saudi Arabia, Moath Mohammad, 23, and Manar Dhafer, 26, were forced to downsize their gender-segregated wedding in Riyadh until they were left with a hasty 10-person lunch for immediate family at home. Mr. Mohammad’s mother could not make it in time, so they looped her in on Snapchat.
They had a little food, a little daytime dancing. Less than 90 minutes later, everyone scattered to get home before the 3 p.m. curfew.They had a little food, a little daytime dancing. Less than 90 minutes later, everyone scattered to get home before the 3 p.m. curfew.
The moment had been almost a decade in the making. There were years of getting to know each other online after meeting on MSN Messenger, the days of him persuading his family to approach hers and the week she decorously pretended to weigh his offer.The moment had been almost a decade in the making. There were years of getting to know each other online after meeting on MSN Messenger, the days of him persuading his family to approach hers and the week she decorously pretended to weigh his offer.
Though they had legalized the marriage in February, Saudi social custom presented one more hurdle: They were not allowed to live together or act as husband and wife until they gave a party.Though they had legalized the marriage in February, Saudi social custom presented one more hurdle: They were not allowed to live together or act as husband and wife until they gave a party.
Postponement was not an option.Postponement was not an option.
“I can’t just hold everything for three months or four months just for a party,” said Ms. Dhafer, a dentist. “We’ve waited too long already.”“I can’t just hold everything for three months or four months just for a party,” said Ms. Dhafer, a dentist. “We’ve waited too long already.”
Like many other Arab couples who chose to wed mid-pandemic, they went, in a few moments, from barely being able to see each other to a 24/7 two-person lockdown.Like many other Arab couples who chose to wed mid-pandemic, they went, in a few moments, from barely being able to see each other to a 24/7 two-person lockdown.
Instead of honeymooning in Europe, as planned, they are spending their first weeks as newlyweds watching reruns of “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother” in their new apartment and negotiating shared chores like dishwashing.Instead of honeymooning in Europe, as planned, they are spending their first weeks as newlyweds watching reruns of “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother” in their new apartment and negotiating shared chores like dishwashing.
“It’s been only three weeks,” Ms. Dhafer said, “but it feels like it’s been two months of us knowing each other.”“It’s been only three weeks,” Ms. Dhafer said, “but it feels like it’s been two months of us knowing each other.”
Yet tiny lockdown weddings go against every instinct in cultures where family is all.Yet tiny lockdown weddings go against every instinct in cultures where family is all.
“In the Western world, marriage is about the couple coming together and being one,” said Roula Theodory, a co-owner of Cherry On Top, a Dubai event consultancy. “The culture here is you have two families coming together.”“In the Western world, marriage is about the couple coming together and being one,” said Roula Theodory, a co-owner of Cherry On Top, a Dubai event consultancy. “The culture here is you have two families coming together.”
The trend also has practical implications, said Rania Salem, a sociologist at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Forgoing a celebration could mean losing cash gifts that newlyweds need to set up house. For their families, it is a lost opportunity to solidify their social standing.The trend also has practical implications, said Rania Salem, a sociologist at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Forgoing a celebration could mean losing cash gifts that newlyweds need to set up house. For their families, it is a lost opportunity to solidify their social standing.
Lebanon, in particular, is famed for its razzle-dazzle weddings. The most extravagant can run well over a million dollars and involve thousands of guests; even middle-class families tend to go all out.Lebanon, in particular, is famed for its razzle-dazzle weddings. The most extravagant can run well over a million dollars and involve thousands of guests; even middle-class families tend to go all out.
Lara Haidar, a body piercer, and Husam Jawhari, a hairdresser, invited 3,000 people to their nuptials in Aramoun, a village south of Beirut. But a wave of antigovernment protests forced them to postpone their November wedding, and the coronavirus scuppered their second attempt.Lara Haidar, a body piercer, and Husam Jawhari, a hairdresser, invited 3,000 people to their nuptials in Aramoun, a village south of Beirut. But a wave of antigovernment protests forced them to postpone their November wedding, and the coronavirus scuppered their second attempt.
So on a recent Sunday, Mr. Jawhari sprayed his bride’s hot-pink hair into an updo topped with a tiara and picked her up on a horse for a two-person party — just them, a cake and some music. They accepted congratulations via Facebook.So on a recent Sunday, Mr. Jawhari sprayed his bride’s hot-pink hair into an updo topped with a tiara and picked her up on a horse for a two-person party — just them, a cake and some music. They accepted congratulations via Facebook.
In Egypt, Helmy Mustafa and Hassnaa Maher also had big plans: a party for 400, followed by a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and a honeymoon in Bali. Instead, they made it as far as a deserted airport hotel, where they took photos.In Egypt, Helmy Mustafa and Hassnaa Maher also had big plans: a party for 400, followed by a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and a honeymoon in Bali. Instead, they made it as far as a deserted airport hotel, where they took photos.
In the back of a car on the way to exchange their vows, they went live on Facebook, singing along to a popular song while friends flooded their feed with congratulations.In the back of a car on the way to exchange their vows, they went live on Facebook, singing along to a popular song while friends flooded their feed with congratulations.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“This is what God intended for us,” said Ms. Maher, a bank teller, speaking by video from the apartment that has become their honeymoon suite. “And frankly, it’s better than anything I could have imagined.”“This is what God intended for us,” said Ms. Maher, a bank teller, speaking by video from the apartment that has become their honeymoon suite. “And frankly, it’s better than anything I could have imagined.”
Still, even modest celebrations carry deadly risks. One Cairo neighborhood was placed under quarantine for two weeks after the virus spread during a pre-marriage ritual in which a bride’s relatives gather to fill a trousseau with belongings for the marital home.Still, even modest celebrations carry deadly risks. One Cairo neighborhood was placed under quarantine for two weeks after the virus spread during a pre-marriage ritual in which a bride’s relatives gather to fill a trousseau with belongings for the marital home.
Two guests later died, as did three others at an engagement party at a village in Beheira, in the Nile Delta, in early April. The rising death toll is prompting tougher police action: On Wednesday the authorities in Cairo broke up a wedding party at a hall in Giza while the bride and groom were having their photos taken.Two guests later died, as did three others at an engagement party at a village in Beheira, in the Nile Delta, in early April. The rising death toll is prompting tougher police action: On Wednesday the authorities in Cairo broke up a wedding party at a hall in Giza while the bride and groom were having their photos taken.
The pandemic is also rattling longstanding social strictures. For Hala, a jewelry designer in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it was unthinkable to move in with her husband, Ahmed, an engineer, until their legal marriage had been ratified with the three-day party they had planned in Dubai.The pandemic is also rattling longstanding social strictures. For Hala, a jewelry designer in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it was unthinkable to move in with her husband, Ahmed, an engineer, until their legal marriage had been ratified with the three-day party they had planned in Dubai.
After a strict 24-hour lockdown forced them to cancel, Ahmed persuaded Hala to start sleeping over at his family’s house. Now the couple, who gave only their first names to protect their privacy, is quarantining together with Ahmed’s parents.After a strict 24-hour lockdown forced them to cancel, Ahmed persuaded Hala to start sleeping over at his family’s house. Now the couple, who gave only their first names to protect their privacy, is quarantining together with Ahmed’s parents.
“For us, it’s strange to get married and move in, and then do a wedding,” Hala said. “But when I talked to my dad, he was like, ‘Who sets these rules?’”“For us, it’s strange to get married and move in, and then do a wedding,” Hala said. “But when I talked to my dad, he was like, ‘Who sets these rules?’”
Some rules, though, are sacred.Some rules, though, are sacred.
A few weeks ago, a pair of Jordanian-American newlyweds forced into quarantine at a Dead Sea resort became minor celebrities after a video showed them celebrating on their own as resort workers clapped at a safe distance. Jordan’s king and queen even sent a gift.A few weeks ago, a pair of Jordanian-American newlyweds forced into quarantine at a Dead Sea resort became minor celebrities after a video showed them celebrating on their own as resort workers clapped at a safe distance. Jordan’s king and queen even sent a gift.
Two weeks later, they made it to the groom’s family home, where, as another video showed, the groom, Aws al-Awneh, hugged and kissed his parents as relatives applauded in the street. The couple had been ordered to avoid contact with others.Two weeks later, they made it to the groom’s family home, where, as another video showed, the groom, Aws al-Awneh, hugged and kissed his parents as relatives applauded in the street. The couple had been ordered to avoid contact with others.
The Jordanian police promptly arrested Mr. al-Awneh for violating the order by hugging his parents. Newly married, newly released from quarantine, he landed in jail.The Jordanian police promptly arrested Mr. al-Awneh for violating the order by hugging his parents. Newly married, newly released from quarantine, he landed in jail.
Declan Walsh reported from Cairo, and Vivian Yee from Beirut, Lebanon. Nada Rashwan contributed reporting from Cairo, Hwaida Saad from Beirut and Rana Sweis from Amman, Jordan.Declan Walsh reported from Cairo, and Vivian Yee from Beirut, Lebanon. Nada Rashwan contributed reporting from Cairo, Hwaida Saad from Beirut and Rana Sweis from Amman, Jordan.