Coronavirus: Oyo Muslim Community Admonishes Buhari , Makinde , Urges Muslims to Pray At Home , Observe Health Precautions

Oyo State Muslim Community has commended the efforts of Oyo State Government led by Engr Seyi Makinde and Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Muhammad Buhari on war against the spread of COVID-19 popularly known as Coronavirus and as well drawn the attentions of governments at all strata to area of concerns and urgent needs . This is contained in a press release jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni and Alhaji Abidemi Siyanbade which was made available to the press men in Ibadan today .

The press statement goes thus;
“

CORONAVIRUS ( COVID-19) PANDEMIC :
OYO MUSLIM COMMUNITY ADMONISHES BUHARI, MAKINDE, URGES MUSLIMS TO PRAY AT HOME AND OBSERVE HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

Assallam ‘alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu

As at the morning of Monday, 30th March, 2020, seven (7) persons have tested positive to COVID-19 in Oyo State, making it the third largest in Nigeria, coming only after Lagos State and the FCT. The seven confirmed cases have directly interacted with over 85 persons, who are presently being traced.

Nigeria now has 111 confirmed cases, with one related death. The total number of confirmed cases globally as at Monday 30th March, 2020, is 723,869, and 34,000 deaths already recorded

Alarming!

WHAT IS COVID-19

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerously transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

The rapid human to humans transfer of COVID-19 occurs due to close contact with an infected person exposed to coughing, sneezing, respiratory droplets and aerosols. These aerosols can penetrate the human body (lungs) via inhalation through the nose or mouth.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
*Fever;
*Cough;
*Tiredness;
*Sneezing;
*Difficulty in Breathing (severe cases)

Older people and people with other medical conditions (such as Asthma,Diabetes or Heart Disease) may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.

PRESIDENT BUHARI’s INITIATIVES

While we laud some of the steps being taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as enunciated in the Broadcast by President Muhammad Buhari, we implore the Federal Government to include Oyo State alongside Lagos, FCT and Ogun, presently listed for total lockdown.

Oyo State presently has the third largest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 infected persons.It has 7 already tested positive, and who had interacted with over 85 persons, still bring traced. Oyo State shares close proximity with Lagos State. Ogun State, already included, has recorded only 4 COVID-19 confirmed cases.

Inclusion of Oyo State will enable our people stay at home, reduce spread of the infection and keep fatality low. Oyo residents deserve to benefit from Federal Goverment COVID-19
Relief Programme, which includes food, water and other relief materials.

STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE

While we also appreciate and laud the steps so far taken by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, we like to admonish the State Government as follows:
i. There is need for the State Govt to urgently acquire an accurate and rapid Diagnostic Kit or Meter for detection of COVID-19 in suspected patients;
ii . Since SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to bat viruses, bats could be the primary reservoir. Some Coronaviruses have the ability to infect humans through consumption of infected animal as a source of food and due to close contact with an infected person, the virus is further transmitted to healthy persons.
Therefore, we urge Oyo State Government to sensitize our people on the need to AVOID CONSUMPTION OF ‘BUSH MEAT’ at this time.
iii. Let Gov Seyi Makinde blaze the trail by procuring Disinfecting Machines to disinfect our Markets, Public places and Neighbourhoods.
iv. With the imposition of Curfew on residents, let Oyo State Govt provide succour in form of food and other relief materials at this time, especially to the lowly-placed masses, as a palliative to the current situation

ADVICE TO MUSLIM CLERICS

It is important to tell our Imams and Alfas that in line with the injunctions of Allah , admonishing us to obey Allah (SWT), obey His Prophet (SAW) and those in authority, that they should conform with and obey advisories by governments at all levels, by avoiding gatherings, maintaining social distancing and above all, PRAY AT HOME

In our Adhan, let us include as-Salaatul fi buyuutikum’(pray in your homes) to replace ‘Hayya ala as – salaah’ (come to prayer)

Pls pass this information and other government advisories to your congregations using Public Address Systems

TO ALL MUSLIMS

In these difficult times, Muslims are urged to:
i. Keep warm;
ii. Take mutivivitamins to boost immune systems;
iii. Follow and obey all health instructions as issued by the authorities;
iv. Drink more of hot water to keep the throats warm(coronavirus hibernates in cool places);
v. Eat healthy foods;
vi.Use face masks and keep distance whenever you are outdoor;
vii.Avoid touching your nose, mouth or any part of your face;
viii.Avoid shaking hands;
ix.Avoid gatherings and keep yourself away from crowd;
x. Avoid ordering food from outside.

APPEAL TO WEALTHY MUSLIMS

We also appeal to wealthy Muslims to come out and assist the masses at this time with provisions that Allah has endowed them with. May Allah continue to enrich them as they provide for others

SUPPLICATE TO ALLAH

This time calls for more closeness to our Creator. Only He knows the beginning and end of all things. May He save us from this affliction.
Let us seek His forgiveness and ask Him to save us from this COVID-19 scourge

May Almighty Allah accept our supplications and heal the world, Amin

(SIGNED)
Alhaj Ishaq Kunle Sanni
Chairman,
Muslim Community of Oyo State

(SIGNED)
Alhaj Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade
Secretary-General,
Muslim Community of Oyo State