CIRCULAR NO: JMT/042/20 Date: 5th March 2020
Precautionary Measures by our Jamaats and Members of the Jamaat against Coronavirus – COVID-19
We have received several calls from our Jamaats enquiring on the kind of precautions to take in this situation of the outbreak of COVID-19 Virus in several countries. Below is the latest statistics obtained from the website:
https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/features/coronavirus-outbreak-the-countries–affected
“The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), officially named as Covid-19 by the WHO, has spread to 83 more countries apart from China alarming public health authorities across the world. A total of 96,381 (including 80,409 in Mainland China, 105 in Hong Kong, and ten in Macau) confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection including 3,307 deaths (including 3,014 in China, 107 in Italy, 107 in Iran, 35 in South Korea, 12 in Japan, 11 in the US, four in France, two each in Australia and Spain, and one each in the Philippines, Switzerland, San Marino, Thailand, and Taiwan) have been reported across the world as of 04 March 2020”.
Some of our Community Centres in Canada, UK and USA have shut down to reduce risks associated with the spread of the Virus to the members who congregate at the Centres for religious ceremonies and social functions.
CHB has already issued Guidelines vide their Circular dated 4th March 2020, we request all our Jamaats to follow the guidelines as deemed appropriate to them. Always – Precautions is Better than Cure.
Our advice to our Jamaats and Jamaat Members is that in such a dire situation – BE SAFE, we do not wish to raise an alarm, however is it always better to take necessary measures for the safety and healthcare of our members and families, then to regret: –
- Those members who have travelled abroad in the past one month or so in areas where there is reported outbreak of the Virus should consult their medical doctors, and get a check-up. Incubation period of new Coronavirus can be as long as 24 days instead of previously thought 14 days. This period is critical for one to refrain from going out to any public gatherings.
- Pilgrims (Zawars) who have recently been to or returned from Iran, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are requested to take similar precautionary measures as 1 above. This will help to protect those vulnerable members of our Community who are mostly elderly people above the age of 60 years.
- Those who have developed some symptoms of ill health, however mild, like unusual coughing and/or sneezing should consult a doctor and temporarily cease visiting mosque for prayers until fully recovered.
- As far as possible Jamaats should take measures highlighted in the CHB Health Bulletin of 4th March 2020, furthermore where possible communal feasts (Nyaz) should be served in a take-away container for few weeks while monitoring the situation. Those who are serving (volunteers) should put on disposable gloves for safety in handling the containers, serving sabil in disposable glasses etc.
- Jamaats should request Resident Aalims to explain the importance of public hygiene and healthcare to Momineen, for example on the subject of handshake, hugging etc. All these are provided in the CHB Health Bulletin.
NASIMCO has also issued a comprehensive Guidelines available through the following link which you may wish to review – A Guideline for Communities
We pray for the good health and safety of all our members throughout the world. May Allah (SWT) help us all in these difficult times we are going through. We pray to Allah (SWT) in this blessed month of Rajab to shower His infinite blessings and mercy upon all the people and especially those who are sick, underprivileged and oppressed – Ameen.
SECRETARIAT