Update 5 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

To our Community members and attendees,

On the auspicious birth anniversary of Imām Husayn (a), Hazrat Abbas (a) and Imām Zaynul Abidin (a), we would like to wish you all Wilādat Mubārak.

The COVID-19 Crisis Task Force has been receiving many questions regarding coronavirus, and verification of news that is floating around on social media. In doing our part during this uncertain time, please let us ensure that what we share is verified and from credible sources, so that we avoid contributing to unnecessary panic and anxiety.

Below are a few more questions we have received.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the virus survive on a surface?
The survival of the virus on surfaces varies depending on the porousness of the surface, its temperature and humidity, with an average survival rate of up to 4 hours. Many times it is much shorter. In perfect laboratory situations, the virus can last up to, or more than, a day, depending on the material. Remember to prioritize personal hygiene with WHASUP – Wash Hands, Always Sanitize, and Use Precaution.

2. How long does the virus survive in the air? 
The virus is only in the air for a fraction of a second while the respiratory droplet falls to the ground. In hospitals where they do AGMPs (aerosol generating medical procedures) it can be in the air longer but that does not apply to the general population.

4. Is there a list of useful resources available?
Yes, click here to visit our resources page where we have various resources such as Jaffari Support Services, Telemedicine, and the Government Economic Response Plan.

3. How can I limit stress while social distancing and staying indoors?
A. Reach out to friends & family. Try video calls and have a virtual catch up over a nice hot cup of tea.
B. Separate Spaces. Keep a separate place at home for work, for relaxation and worship, and for sleeping. This will help you be more productive.
C. Get a little bit of fresh air! Go for a walk in your garden or step out onto your balcony. If this isn’t possible, open your windows and soak in the daylight. Take a deep breath and thank God for His blessings.
D. Exercise. Try some simple exercises at home like skipping, sit-ups, or jogging on the spot. Keep active.
E. Maintain a routine. Waking up at the same time daily will allow you to feel refreshed. Get ready as you normally would, and clock off from work in good time.
F. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
G. Be God Conscious. Designate a space in your home for thinking and reflection. Spend time reciting Qur’an and doing the Dhikr of Allah (swt).
H. Set aside some ‘hobby time’. Set aside time in the day to do something you enjoy. We all have things we wish we had more time to do. Now that we are home, let’s cross those items from our ‘I wish I had time’ list.

Lastly, try writing your thoughts/reflections down. This is a time we will all look back on. In years to come, we will remember this as ‘the time when we were urged to stay home’. It might go down in history as the 2020 Pandemic – well – make sure you’ve got stories to tell!

We ask that you keep our community and all of humanity at the forefront of your prayers and seek to the Almighty that we are relieved of this difficult situation soon.

With Salāms & Du’ās