The flight, arranged by the Australian High Commission in Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan, will arrive in Melbourne on the 25th April 2020.
Many more flights are expected to bring stranded Australians overseas from Muslim countries.
A flight from Malaysia is arriving in a couple of days to Perth to bring back Australians stranded due to the pandemic.
But it is not just the 14-day quarantine the overseas arrivals will be undergoing, this weekend is also the start of the Islamic month Ramadan in which Muslims fast for the duration of the month.
Most of the Muslims returning to Australia will be spending half of the fasting month in quarantine, a mandatory requirement by the Australian Border Force for overseas arrivals.
Members of the Muslim community celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with prayer at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Source: AAP
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast throughout the day (from dawn till dusk) and organise special communal prayers.
Daily get-togethers are also held throughout the month to break the fast ( called Iftar) with families and friends.
However, following the Coronavirus pandemic requirements in a 14-day quarantine and also fasting in these conditions will be a new experience.
Source: AAP
Father of two from Hobart, Qasim Mehmood, is arriving in Melbourne this weekend; his wife and children are waiting for him in Australia.
He is really happy that he will be back home soon to meet his family but is concerned about spending the first two weeks of Ramadan in quarantine.
"Yes, I'll be following the requirements for quarantine due to COVID-19," Qasim told SBS Urdu.
Hobart Nurse Qasim Mehmood with his children. Source: Supplied
"I am a Registered Nurse so clearly understand the health concerns for people.
"But Ramadan is a special month. I have to pray and spend time with family especially when breaking the fast."
Currently, I am not sure what sort of arrangements are in place for Muslims in quarantine.
Hobart Nurse Qasim Mehmood. Source: Supplied
"Ramadan is a spiritual month and having a dedicated plan for Muslims would really helpful."
A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said that all travellers in quarantine have their dietary requirements met, including for religious reasons.
"Additional provisions are being made for those in hotel quarantine during Ramadan, with daily food hampers provided for breaking fast and prayer mats available upon request,” a statement from the Council read.
Due to the COVID-19, the Australian National Imams Council is advising Muslims to pray at home and maintain social distancing by limiting social gatherings, in particular, during the breaking of the ‘fast’.
“This year will be a very different year for the Muslim community as we enter the month of Ramadan.
“It will be a time when the traditional extended family iftars and congregational prayers will not be occurring as usual.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Shahwaiz Qureshi recently completed his 14-day quarantine in a Melbourne hotel after coming back from London.
According to Shahwaiz, a prayer mat was provided in the hotel for Muslims, if they wanted to pray.
"I think it would be really difficult if they keep bringing meals at the same time they did for me.
"Hopefully the hotels will make some changes for their Muslim guests to accommodate this, but only time will tell I guess.
"Especially since there isn't enough space in the bar fridges to keep the food you get through the day. I hope the Muslim guests are ready to get creative."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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