While the nation struggles to interpret the Government's new ‘stay alert’ slogan, many will be hoping there is at least some relaxation of the restrictions on gathering in larger groups.

For the Muslim community, now halfway through Ramadan, the traditional way of celebrating the holy month has been severely hit by coronavirus

Large get-togethers and feasts have been cancelled, while mosques across the globe remain closed due to social distancing measures.

So what is Ramadan like in lockdown? Two young  Muslims have spoken to NewsChain to explain how they have been affected.

Wedad Hwessa, is a 21 year-old healthcare student at the University of the West of England

"Every year during Ramadan, Muslims all around the world look forward to the sense of community and spirituality Ramadan brings with it. During this month Muslims abstain from food and water during the day and work to build a stronger bond with God and better our daily habits. 

"Muslims also look forward to the special prayer at the end of the night called taraweeh. Taraweeh is a prayer that only happens during Ramadan and is normally prayed in the mosque after breaking the fast where you feel the sense of community and togetherness while worshipping god. 

"The day of Eid starts with a prayer in the mosque where the Muslim community comes together to commemorate and celebrate the end of Ramadan. The rest of the day is spent visiting friends and family.

"Overall, Ramadan is a time of the year that all Muslims look forward to becoming closer to God spirituality but also spending more time with family and friends. However because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramadan this year is different and has required Muslims to adapt to the current situation. 

"The social distancing measures have resulted in the closure of mosques all around the world so prayers like Taraweeh are done at home. This also means that Eid prayer will also be prayed at home and celebratory gatherings for Eid with family and friends will, very unlikely, take place.  

“Events like taraweeh, breaking your fast with family and friends and celebrating Eid together as a Muslim community are the reason why so many Muslims look forward to Ramadan every year. So not being able to carry them out to the fullest this year, does make me and I'm sure a lot of other Muslims a bit sad. However, with that being said, I am still excited for Ramadan and I take the current situation as a time to be grateful for everything in my life.”  

Nasek Wahhab is a 23 year-old business consultant for Deutsche Bank who works and lives in Dublin, but made it back to his family in London in time to celebrate Ramadan 

"In short, all Muslims were feeling the effects of the restraints before the start of Ramadan and consequently are and will still be feeling the effects now. 

"Whilst many might see this as a negative, for some (myself included) I look to take some positives.

"For starters, I do not see Working From Home (WFH) as a restraint. Whilst it does not say in this month that we should not go to work, being at home during the working week means that to some extent, I am able to work at my own pace, in my own comfort and at the leisure of being at home. 

"This is important where tiredness is bound to kick in during the day, and personally speaking, it crucially means no travel. In days where fasts can last up to 18 hours, travelling can act as a serious drain. In difficult times, which this undoubtedly is, it is important to pick up small wins where you can.

"Ramadan offers a solace for self-reflection for a month (and beyond), which in itself goes hand in hand with isolation. You are naturally bound to be more devout and subsequently less social anyway, and so for many being in self-isolation is no issue.  

"The caveat to this is the prevalent societal interaction which Ramadan brings during this month is heavily diminished. For one, all places of worship, including mosques, are closed within the UK. During this month, many Muslims would congregate to break their fasts and subsequently pray in unison together. 

"Advisory boards of mosques throughout the UK described the continuance of said gatherings in mosques would be ‘extremely irresponsible’, showing that some practices of this month are truly secondary to saving lives.

"As has been established, this month presents a rather unique contrast/blend of isolation and togetherness, the latter of which is proving to be a problem for many families.  

"Families and friends often hold iftar parties, where they would break their fast together over a big meal. For some, they would still be able to do so without bending the isolation constraints, but others won't be so fortunate. The rising phenomena that is WFH meant I was lucky enough to have moved back home to my parents’ well before lockdown began, so I am thankful to experience the togetherness with my family which is so synonymous in this month.  

"Although, for those who are at home by themselves at this time, and that does include the elder generation, breaking your fast after a long day by yourself must (quite literally) feel isolated. However, in a month of togetherness and doing good for your community and beyond, many Muslims would still be as charitable as ever, for example by cooking those less fortunate meals and leaving it by their doorsteps. There are proving to be many forms of adaptation, which again shows the power of togetherness that Ramadan brings.

"Even during previous World Wars or natural disasters, nothing would stop the gathering of Muslims during this Holy month to still observe their religious rituals. 

“Today, it is quite the different story and again proves to those that do not want to/still refuse to believe it, that even during a Holy month, it proves the power and uncompromising nature that coronavirus is and as a further reminder to stay at home.”