'The Pandemic Upends Islam’s Holiest Month' diff viewer (10/11)

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The Pandemic Upends Islam’s Holiest Month	The Pandemic Upends Islam’s Holiest Month
2020-06-16 13:17:00 UTC	2020-06-16 23:54:39 UTC (about 11 hours later)
Ali Mamun, a Bangladeshi immigrant who worked as a psychiatrist in Brooklyn, contracted the coronavirus in March and died three weeks later, just days before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.	Ali Mamun, a Bangladeshi immigrant who worked as a psychiatrist in Brooklyn, contracted the coronavirus in March and died three weeks later, just days before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
He was buried in New Jersey, more than an hour from his home in New York, because the number of dead had so overwhelmed nearby Muslim funeral homes and cemeteries that his family was forced to go farther to follow tradition and conduct a burial within 24 hours.	He was buried in New Jersey, more than an hour from his home in New York, because the number of dead had so overwhelmed nearby Muslim funeral homes and cemeteries that his family was forced to go farther to follow tradition and conduct a burial within 24 hours.
When his family drove to the Marlboro Muslim Memorial Cemetery two weeks later to visit his grave during the holy month, they were shocked by what they found: a vast field of freshly dug graves, the dead all in their 50s and 60s, and many bearing distinctly Bengali names.	When his family drove to the Marlboro Muslim Memorial Cemetery two weeks later to visit his grave during the holy month, they were shocked by what they found: a vast field of freshly dug graves, the dead all in their 50s and 60s, and many bearing distinctly Bengali names.
“I never imagined Ramadan to be like this,” said Sayyid Choudhury, 31, Mr. Mamun’s son-in-law. “Ramadan is very much about family — breaking the fast with your family and then going to the mosque every night to read one of the prayers, but this Ramadan feels mostly empty and void and lonely.”	“I never imagined Ramadan to be like this,” said Sayyid Choudhury, 31, Mr. Mamun’s son-in-law. “Ramadan is very much about family — breaking the fast with your family and then going to the mosque every night to read one of the prayers, but this Ramadan feels mostly empty and void and lonely.”
The coronavirus has killed more than 29,000 and sickened over 367,000 people in New York, upending daily life and unleashing economic turmoil. For Muslims, it has also transformed one of the most important holidays of the year from a joyful occasion marked by family dinners, communal prayers and busy social calendars into a somber and solitary month celebrated under the shadow of sickness, death and joblessness.	The coronavirus has killed more than 29,000 and sickened over 367,000 people in New York, upending daily life and unleashing economic turmoil. For Muslims, it has also transformed one of the most important holidays of the year from a joyful occasion marked by family dinners, communal prayers and busy social calendars into a somber and solitary month celebrated under the shadow of sickness, death and joblessness.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, or the central tenets of the faith. The world’s 1.9 billion Muslims celebrate the holiday from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next, with daytime fasting and nighttime merrymaking that culminates in Eid al-Fitr, which this year fell on Sunday.	Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, or the central tenets of the faith. The world’s 1.9 billion Muslims celebrate the holiday from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next, with daytime fasting and nighttime merrymaking that culminates in Eid al-Fitr, which this year fell on Sunday.
But with a need to maintain public health, Zoom calls and socially distant food drives have replaced family gatherings and community prayers, as Muslims have sought to make the most of a Ramadan like no other in memory.	But with a need to maintain public health, Zoom calls and socially distant food drives have replaced family gatherings and community prayers, as Muslims have sought to make the most of a Ramadan like no other in memory.
“For a lot of people, it has been very tough on them mentally and emotionally,” said Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, chairman of the Hillside Islamic Center on Long Island. “Some of the Islamic centers were able to go online to do programs, but people living in more distressed communities don’t have access to these kind of online events or social media.”	“For a lot of people, it has been very tough on them mentally and emotionally,” said Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, chairman of the Hillside Islamic Center on Long Island. “Some of the Islamic centers were able to go online to do programs, but people living in more distressed communities don’t have access to these kind of online events or social media.”
The weight of the pandemic has fallen disproportionately on immigrant and minority populations with high poverty levels and a lack of access to regular health care. Muslim leaders say the Bangladeshi community in New York, one of the city’s fastest growing immigrant groups, has been particularly devastated by the virus and the economic damage it has caused.	The weight of the pandemic has fallen disproportionately on immigrant and minority populations with high poverty levels and a lack of access to regular health care. Muslim leaders say the Bangladeshi community in New York, one of the city’s fastest growing immigrant groups, has been particularly devastated by the virus and the economic damage it has caused.
“We know the Muslim community has been hit hard by the virus, especially the Bengali community,” said Raja Abdulhaq, executive director of the Islamic Leadership Council of New York, an umbrella group of more than 90 mosques and Muslim organizations.	“We know the Muslim community has been hit hard by the virus, especially the Bengali community,” said Raja Abdulhaq, executive director of the Islamic Leadership Council of New York, an umbrella group of more than 90 mosques and Muslim organizations.
Data released by the city has shown the hardest hit neighborhoods in New York are also those most popular among Bangladeshi immigrants, including neighborhoods in Queens like Jamaica, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.	Data released by the city has shown the hardest hit neighborhoods in New York are also those most popular among Bangladeshi immigrants, including neighborhoods in Queens like Jamaica, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.
At the end of April, Muslim funeral homes were burying “on average about 100 people a day and about 70 percent of them were Bengalis, either from Bangladesh or of Bengali origin,” Mr. Abdulhaq said.	At the end of April, Muslim funeral homes were burying “on average about 100 people a day and about 70 percent of them were Bengalis, either from Bangladesh or of Bengali origin,” Mr. Abdulhaq said.
Many Bangladeshi immigrants have public-facing low-wage jobs and then return to small apartments where they live with large families or several room mates, which had left many “very exposed” to the virus, he said.	Many Bangladeshi immigrants have public-facing low-wage jobs and then return to small apartments where they live with large families or several room mates, which had left many “very exposed” to the virus, he said.
“A lot of them work as taxi drivers so they see a lot of people,” Mr. Abdulhaq said. “And a lot of them work in restaurants or do jobs in that industry, like food carts.”	“A lot of them work as taxi drivers so they see a lot of people,” Mr. Abdulhaq said. “And a lot of them work in restaurants or do jobs in that industry, like food carts.”
Reevu Islam, 27, said three of his uncles had fallen ill with Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Two of them work in warehouses and the other is a New York City police officer.	Reevu Islam, 27, said three of his uncles had fallen ill with Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Two of them work in warehouses and the other is a New York City police officer.
All three recovered, but Mr. Islam said more than 50 Bangladeshi-Americans in his social network, including distant relatives and friends of friends, had died in recent weeks.	All three recovered, but Mr. Islam said more than 50 Bangladeshi-Americans in his social network, including distant relatives and friends of friends, had died in recent weeks.
“March and April were definitely, definitely the most intense time of our lives,” he said. “We went through a few days where every day I was hearing about two or three people who passed away.”	“March and April were definitely, definitely the most intense time of our lives,” he said. “We went through a few days where every day I was hearing about two or three people who passed away.”
The economic impact of the virus, which has led to more than 38 million people seeking unemployment claims across the country, has battered New York’s Muslim community, resulting in widespread joblessness and casting mosque finances into an uncertain future.	The economic impact of the virus, which has led to more than 38 million people seeking unemployment claims across the country, has battered New York’s Muslim community, resulting in widespread joblessness and casting mosque finances into an uncertain future.
The donations collected during Ramadan help finance as much as 80 percent of the annual budget of many mosques and community centers, Mr. Bhuiyan said. But few of them had online donation systems set up when the pandemic hit.	The donations collected during Ramadan help finance as much as 80 percent of the annual budget of many mosques and community centers, Mr. Bhuiyan said. But few of them had online donation systems set up when the pandemic hit.
Mosques were playing catch up now, he said, but trouble still looms.	Mosques were playing catch up now, he said, but trouble still looms.
“The centers are suffering because people are not coming in so they are not collecting funds, and we’ll see the impact of that within a month or two,” he said. “A lot of centers may have to lay off people; maybe some of the small ones will have to close.”	“The centers are suffering because people are not coming in so they are not collecting funds, and we’ll see the impact of that within a month or two,” he said. “A lot of centers may have to lay off people; maybe some of the small ones will have to close.”
~~Updated June ~~12,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 16, 2020
	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.
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.	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.
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.
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.
Mosques across the city have also traditionally provided meals on-site for the poor, but stay-at-home orders have made that impossible, so other organizations have stepped up to help.	Mosques across the city have also traditionally provided meals on-site for the poor, but stay-at-home orders have made that impossible, so other organizations have stepped up to help.
Diya Basu-Sen, the executive director of Sapna NYC, a nonprofit that works with women who are immigrants from South Asia, said her organization had been checking in with 200 women, mostly Bangladeshi, who regularly use its services. More than 95 percent said that every person in their household who had been working was now out of a job, she said.	Diya Basu-Sen, the executive director of Sapna NYC, a nonprofit that works with women who are immigrants from South Asia, said her organization had been checking in with 200 women, mostly Bangladeshi, who regularly use its services. More than 95 percent said that every person in their household who had been working was now out of a job, she said.