GOV.UK, NHS, MCB

As you are likely aware, COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

The World Health Organization has now declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. This has had a significant effect across the world and impacts mosques, madrasas and Islamic centres due to frequent congregation and social contact.At the time of writing, 2626 cases have been diagnosed in the UK, and sadly 104 people have died. This number is expected to significantly rise within weeks, particularly affecting the elderly. Action is required by everybody in order to prevent the disease from overwhelming the health system.

In line with government and expert health advice on the safety of communities, IUS will be withholding a number of programmes for the foreseeable future as per the below.
This step comes after public health advice was issued to stop “non-essential contact” with others and the Chief Scientific Advisers advising the public to avoid gatherings “big or small”.

What will happen:

IUS London programmes?

Given the ever-changing situation with regards to COVID-19 in the UK, IUS London has made the decision to suspend our regular programmes. This unfortunately means that we are provisionally cancelling our annual Ramadhan Iftar series, which usually takes place at Abrar House every Wednesday evening during the holy month of Ramadhan.

If the situation improves, we will reconsider going ahead with the series and will publish advertising material closer to the time. But if we do not do so, please consider the series as cancelled.

IUS Manchester programmes?

Due to the unpredictably of the COVID-19 outbreak, IUS Manchester has decided to cancel this year’s Ramadhan Majalis and suspend all upcoming programmes until further notice. We appreciate the unfortunate nature of this news, which is why we are working very hard to confirm new and exclusive online material that will be made available through the IUS website. Further information will be disclosed closer the time inshAllah.

We thank you for your patience and understanding, and pray for the safety of yourselves and your families in these difficult times.

IUS IHBDC sessions?

IHBDC is encouraging all of our donors who are fit and well to continue donating blood, and do so independently. It is vital for NHS to continue to collect blood that for life-saving operations.

Coming to give blood is considered essential travel, so exempt from any restrictions on travel or gatherings outlined by the government.

Although some of our hosted sessions at Islamic Centres / mosques are temporarily on hold, your local Blood Donor Centres remain open. NHS Blood staff are putting extra safety measures in place for you to donate.

Keep up to date on the latest on coronavirus across England here.

• a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
• a new, continuous cough – meaning you’ve started coughing regularly

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

IUS Executive Committee