COVID-19: How to Reduce Your Risk

Dr Orit Abdalla

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a group of viruses named coronavirus. This new virus was first identified in Wuhan, China late 2019. Coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases. It is spread by close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19. To this day, there is no cure or vaccination that can prevent this illness. 

On the 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the virus a pandemic. This means worldwide spread of the disease whereby most people do not have immunity to this virus. As a result, many people have been facing hardship varying from the loss of love ones, deterioration of their health, unemployment and the lack of essential resources. 

Nevertheless, we need to be reminded that Allah will test us and He will provide for whoever relies on Him (Quran Surat ul-Baqarah ayah 155 and Surat ut-Talaq ayah 3).

Here’s some advice about how to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus:

1.    Wash your hands often, for 20 seconds, with soap and running water. 

2.    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

3.    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. 

4.    Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others as much as possible

5.    Stay at home!

Finally, I want to remind you all to take care of one another. 

May Allah protect us from this illness, give us strength and patience to get through these difficult times. Ameen!​