Undetermined Implications of Islamic Veil Practicing for COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

A recent systematic review demonstrated that among different religions, the association between COVID-19 risks and religious practice was different in terms of transmission, mitigation and adaptation to COVID-19. We argue that this difference might be partially correlated with strict full face and level of Islamic veiling practice. Strict full face veil techniques intuitively and practically mimic wearing facemasks, thus providing a protective role against COVID-19 viral exposure. It however prevents sufficient sunlight exposure needed to synthesis enough vitamin D in the skin, which is as an important factor in COVID-19 prevention and treatment. This letter specifically and intentionally focused on Islamic countries; however, its implications cover similar religious practices and settings. Based on preliminary observations from Iran and Arab countries, we will show that despite similar lower vitamin D status, veiling practice and full-face-veil-wearing probably put a protective –meanwhile differential- effect against COVID-19 cases and deaths.