Following on from the NCM meeting which some of you attended on Thursday 12th March at the Russel Road Community Centre, we would like to update you in light of the of the constantly changing situation about the impact of Covid-19 on our communities and neighbourhoods.
We have been fortunate to have benefited from the professional advise provided by Dr. Arshad Latif, National Health Promotion lead of British Islamic Medical Association, at our previous meeting and the NCM management committee has been continually updated by him ever since.
The strongest message coming from Government, supports the advice given by health experts to:
• Suspend all congregational gatherings
• Advise everyone to keep good hygiene
• Ensure the elderly, people with existing illnesses and women who are pregnant are
supported
The Government has begun closing public places, cancelling events and in the coming days will most likely enforce a total “lock down”
In the United Kingdom there are more than 2000 confirmed cases and 104 deaths associated with COVID-19 as per the latest statistics on 18th March 2020. Our elderly community is at a considerably higher risk of infection and ultimately death. It is our responsibility to protect vulnerable people in our Masjids and beyond.
The Nottingham Council of Mosques, in line with the advice given by our Government, Health Professionals and National Muslim Organisations (British Islamic Medical Association, Muslim Council Britain, British Board of Scholars & Imams) would strongly suggest that we suspend all activities in our Mosques, Madrasahs and Islamic Centres.
The NCM Management Committee have always said we will not order any of our members to make decisions which impact on their mosques. However, in the current circumstances we feel it is important you are aware of the potential impact of Coronavirus on all of us and our recommendations are based on professional advice.
Many members have already indicated that they will stop congregations in mosques. Ultimately, any decision on closing your mosque, Islamic Centre or madrassa is in the hands of your management committees and we are confident you will do what is right to protect our communities.
Please pray for all of us during these challenging times.