The current\u00a0NHS advice<\/a>\u00a0is that as individual we should\u00a0stop\u00a0non-essential contact<\/strong>\u00a0(including shaking hands, hugging, kissing) and\u00a0if we go outside, to keep more than\u00a02 metres (3 steps)<\/strong>\u00a0apart from others. This is part of the UK\u2019s social distancing measure to help slow down the spread of COVID19 \u2013\u00a0click here for more information.<\/a><\/p>\n The best way to protect ourselves is to follow\u00a0good hygiene practices, including:<\/p>\n Click here for\u00a0further guidance and useful graphics.<\/a><\/p>\n Much of this advice, and an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene is in line with Islamic tradition.\u00a0Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: \u201cPurity is half of iman (faith)<\/em>.\u201c [Muslim]<\/p>\n Note: Face masks<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 It is\u00a0not<\/strong>\u00a0advised to wear a face mask unless you are a carer of somebody who has Covid-19, or you have flu-like symptoms yourself and are wearing it to prevent the spread to others. A mask\u00a0is \u200bunlikely to help prevent\u200b catching the infection as masks are usually ill fitting, not changed\u00a0 regularly, and\u00a0can actually make it more likely<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0as the virus can sit on the mask surface increasing the chance of infection if touched<\/p>\n The\u00a0symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0of coronavirus are: a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath. But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.<\/p>\n If you or a member of your household have coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately for 14 days from when the symptoms started, meaning:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> 23 March \u2013 UK Government officially announced that all places of worship must close.<\/strong><\/p>\n 16 March Update:\u00a0MCB calls for the suspension of all congregational activities at UK mosques and Islamic centres. View\u00a0full press release here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Travel advice for worshippers:<\/strong><\/p>\n As of 23 March, the UK Government has advised all non-essential travel to cease.<\/p>\n For those who have travelled before this time, it is particularly important for Muslim institutions to advise their community members (congregation members, volunteers, staff etc.) who have travelled back to the UK recently from specific regions of the world as highlighted by the\u00a0Foreign Office<\/a>. At present, the advice is that worshippers should not attend the mosque if they have:<\/p>\n <\/a> Looking at epidemiological data from other countries, it\u2019s likely that the pandemic will stretch well into Ramadan during April\/May 2020. Authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have decided to suspend\u00a0iftar<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0itikaf<\/em>\u00a0in Masjid Al Haram at present. UK mosques must similarly prepare for the very likely possibility of suspending\u00a0iftar<\/em>\u00a0programs and congregational\u00a0tarawih<\/em>\u00a0prayers.<\/p>\n 3. Advice for madrasas \/ educational settings<\/p>\n 16 March \u2013\u00a0public health advice announced included of stopping\u00a0\u201cnon-essential contact\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0with others and the Chief Scientific Advisers advising the public to avoid gatherings\u00a0\u201cbig or small\u201d.\u00a0<\/strong>On 18 March, the UK Government announced that all schools should close, therefore madrasas and education settings should also close. Madrasas and Muslim faith schools are urged to adapt to providing classes via online means e.g. Skype\/other video communication services.<\/p>\n Government School Closures Coronavirus Helpline is\u00a00800 046 8687<\/strong><\/p>\n Are there any posters\/resources I can use in my madrasa \/ educational setting?<\/strong><\/p>\n Scroll further below to\u00a0view posters and signage<\/a>\u00a0you can use in your madrasa \/ educational setting. Click here for the latest\u00a0Toolkit for UK Muslim Communities (PDF)<\/a>\u00a0collated by MCB, which can also be found below in a summary poster. Information accurate as of 25 March. In addition, community organisations are welcome to\u00a0add your own logo onto this poster<\/strong>\u00a0and circulate amongst their members.<\/p>\n Download Editable Poster version here:\u00a0bit.ly\/COVID-toolkit-edit2<\/a>\u00a0(Microsoft PowerPoint required)<\/p>\n Download a\u00a0printable poster from NHS on \u201cCatch It, Bin It, Kill It\u201d (PDF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Download printable\u00a0Public Health England poster: \u2018Coronavirus advice for education settings\u2019 (PDF) and below.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To order hard copies of these and more resources,\u00a0click here to visit the Public Health England campaign resources page<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a> For faith-sensitive and confidential mental health advice,\u00a0Muslim Youth Helpline<\/a>\u00a0offer online chat\/email and phone support on 0808 808 2008 available for Muslims of all ages.\u00a0Inspirited Minds<\/a>\u00a0also offer online support. A flyer on mental health support during COVID-19 pandemic can be found below:<\/p>\n The\u00a0World Health Organisation has published guidelines (PDF)<\/a>\u00a0has also produced advice on individuals and communities coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak:<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n With children off school, parents need to interact constructively with their children during this challenging time. Check out these\u00a0six one-page Healthy Parenting tips produced by the WHO<\/a>\u00a0for parents covering planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behaviour, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19. On 12 March 2020, the death of an elderly Muslim gentlemen in Manchester due to COVID-19 was reported. Unfortunately COVID-19 related deaths are likely to increase significantly in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n According to public health bodies,\u00a0there is a risk of contracting the virus from a deceased body, but there are no restrictions at the moment on washing the body. Those involved in\u00a0Ghusl<\/em>\u00a0(washing) procedures must ensure they wear the necessary safety wear as per the public health guidance previously issued. On 22 March a Community Briefing Call was held with detailed guidance on burial\/funeral arrangements provided.\u00a0Listen to the full recording here.<\/a><\/p>\n Read FAQs on burial\/funeral arrangements here<\/a>. Due to potential differences in jurisprudence opinions, we strongly recommend consulting with your local Imam, scholar or funeral directors for specific advice.<\/p>\n Click here to see full list of Local Volunteer Support initiatives here<\/a>\u00a0(regularly updated) or email\u00a0covid@mcb.org.uk<\/a>\u00a0to add yours! Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):\u00a0\u201cSeek out the vulnerable among you. Verily, you are only given provision and support due to your support of the weak.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Tirmidhi).<\/p>\n When getting involved, make sure you follow\u00a0official \u201cHow to Help Safely\u201d advice<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a> Click here to see full list of Local Volunteer Support initiatives compiled by MCB\/MCF here<\/a><\/p>\n The suspension of congregational activities and closure of non-essential shops in line with public health advice means loss of major source of funding for mosques, Muslim institutions, especially donations and\u00a0Jumuah<\/em>\u00a0collections, while basic building \/ organisational maintenance expenses continue, as well as\u00a0Muslim-owned businesses or sole traders<\/p>\n On Friday 20 March, a Government Job Retention Scheme intervention was announced, with further details to be provided next week.\u00a0Eligibility for the scheme includes being a registered charity, mosque or community group with paid employees on PAYE as of 20th February. On Thursday 26 March, a further announcement for support covering self-employed individuals was also announced. More details on these schemes is expected to be announced shortly.<\/p>\n Click here for further information about the scheme (PDF)<\/a>\u00a0or visit the\u00a0Government website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will be interest free for 12 months, and is launching soon.<\/p>\n In addition, VAT for all businesses will be deferred until the end of June 2020.<\/p>\n The next tax self-assessments will be deferred until January 2021<\/p>\n Government Hotline Phone Numbers: <\/a><\/p>\n On 26 February, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) temporarily suspended all entry into the country for the purposes of Umrah. The issuance of Umrah visas has stopped and the entry for those who have obtained Umrah visas has also stopped.<\/p>\n Furthermore, on 4 March, Saudi Arabia announced that all Umrah pilgrimages entirely are temporarily suspended, including visits to holy sites in Makkah and Medina until further notice. On 19 March, Saudi Arabia announced that all congregational prayers at the \u201cHaramain\u201d complexes in Makkah and Madina are suspended until further notice.<\/p>\n Read more\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0here<\/a>. See below for MOFA statements.<\/p>\n Beware Fake News!\u00a0\u2013 It is important to verify any news you receive\/come across before acting upon it or forwarding on.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Read latest Foreign Office advice on travel to Saudi Arabia here.<\/a><\/p>\n You should contact your airline or tour operator before you travel. If you have any questions about travel restrictions to Saudi Arabia, you should contact the nearest Saudi Embassy or\u00a0Visit Saudi<\/a>.<\/p>\n British Muslims with family or friends who have Umrah pilgrimage trips planned are advised to contact their airline\/tour operators or travel agents for further advice and guidance.<\/p>\n Further advice is available from\u00a0Council of British Hajjis UK (CBHUK) here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) statement \u2013 26 February<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n
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\nKeep up to date with the latest public health advice at:<\/p>\n\n
2. Advice for mosques: Keeping your congregations safe<\/h3>\n
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\nMyanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam<\/li>\nIn these instances, they should self isolate \u2013 that is to stay at home, not go out, and have no contact with the public \u2013 and visit \u200bNHS111 Online\u200b or call 111. Do not attend your GP practice or pharmacy as this places others at risk. For\u00a0NHS advice on what self-isolation means, click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nWill it affect Ramadan?<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\nFor more advice, read the\u00a0Department for Education\u2019s guidance here.<\/a><\/p>\n4. Signage\/Resources in your mosque, madrasah or community centre<\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/mcb.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Coronavirus_advice_for_education_settings_poster.jpg?resize=211%2C300&ssl=1\")
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\nMosques, madrassas and other Muslim-led institutions are strongly encouraged to advise their congregation members, volunteers and staff of the above guidelines and display posters visibly in their buildings.<\/p>\n5. Coping with stress during COVID-19 pandemic<\/h3>\n
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\nFurther information on coping with mental health during COVID-19 outbreak is\u00a0published by the Mental Health Foundation here.<\/a><\/p>\n6. Advice for parents<\/h3>\n
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\nHave fun engaging with these ideas, and let us know if you have any more by emailing\u00a0covid@mcb.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/mcb.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/english-tip-1-covid-19-parenting.jpg?fit=768%2C1086&ssl=1\")
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<\/div>\n7. Deaths\/Funeral Rites related to COVID-19<\/h3>\n
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\nThe\u00a0National Burial Council<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0has issued detailed updated guidance on\u00a016 March<\/strong>\u00a0based on the latest information from public health bodies. You can view this advice\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0here (PDF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/mcb.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/NBC_16March_thumbnail.jpg?resize=550%2C388&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p>\n8. Get Involved! Local Volunteer Initiatives<\/h3>\n
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\nThe\u00a0Muslim Charities Forum<\/a>\u00a0is also helping to co-ordinate the relief efforts of Muslim-led charities. Visit their website for more information.<\/p>\n9. Financial Support during COVID19 pandemic<\/h3>\n
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10. Advice for Umrah and Hajj Travellers<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/mcb.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/CBHUK-Logo-100.jpg?zoom=1.25&resize=100%2C100&ssl=1\"){kind=logo}
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<\/a><\/p>\n11. Useful Links<\/h3>\n
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