Update From JHWC On Novel Coronavirus
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum
The Jaffari Health and Wellness Committee has been closely monitoring COVID-19 (formerly called novel coronavirus), and whilst there is still a lot to learn about the virus, a lot has been learnt about how it spreads, how it is contained and the behaviours that contribute to these.
HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW:
On December 31, 2019, China alerted the World Health organization about several cases of pneumonia caused by a new virus called 2019nCoV. This is a coronavirus which is in the same family of viruses that causes many diseases including SARS and MERS but also the common cold. Thousands of COVID-19 cases have been reportedin China and other countries including those frequented by our community members. As of February 27, 2020, 13 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Canada, with six of those in Ontario.
ADVICE TO THE COMMUNITY:
Travel Advice
- Based on what we know, do not travel to high risk and emerging areas identified in the list of countries and regions reporting cases of COVID-19 such as China, Hong Kong, South Korea, northern Italy and Iran. If you must travel to these areas, please do not attend public gatherings such as religious centres because doing so, within 14 days of your return, may put others at risk.
- If during the 14 days after your return from these impacted areas, you feel ill with fever, cough, shortness of breath or diarrhea, please call your doctor.
How to protect yourself
- You can also read this detailed FAQ to learn more about the coronavirus and how to reduce your risk of infection
- There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. The Ontario Ministry of Education has developed information sheets in multiple languages including Urdu, Farsi and Arabic, on how we can protect ourselves.
As this situation evolves, we will continue to update community members. If you have specific questions about your situation, please email us at [email protected].
With Salāms & Du’ās
Dr. Khalil Sivjee and Dr. Selina Hirji
Co-chairs of Health and Wellness Committee
