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Muslim groups in UK band together to combat coronavirus
Muslim Hands, an international relief and aid organisation has partnered with Nottingham, County Councils, Nottingham Citizens, the Local Resilience Forum and Emergency Planning, foodbank providers and various faith networks in an effort to provide aid during the coronavirus epidemic in the UK.
The death toll has risen from 475 to 578, health officials have confirmed, with 11,658 confirmed cases in the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock have both tested positive for Covid-19 and are self-isolating.
The latest figures on coronavirus cases from Public Health England have revealed the numbers for Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire has increased.
As of March 23, there were 41 cases confirmed in the city up from 34, in the county.
"There has never been a greater need for a sense of togetherness and to provide our communities with the support and assistance they require in such uncertain times," Muslim Hands Programmes Director, Shakil Sidat, told Muslim News.
"By working together and having the specialist knowledge in our specific areas we can ensure that we reach more people and do as much as we can so that those that have been affected by the pandemic are not left to suffer in silence."
Meanwhile, Councillor Sajid Mohammed for Mapperley and Director of Himmah, a grassroot community-based initiative, said: "In a moment where all of our actions have a consequence for our community, it is vital that all organisations work strategically to deliver services to everyone regardless of ethnicity or religious background."
While, Pete Rogers, Community Organiser, Nottingham Citizens (Citizens UK), said: "At a time of fear and uncertainty we must come together and be a practical voice and presence for hope and togetherness. Already we’ve seen a huge outpouring of goodwill and creative ideas – our alliance is ready to join with others to do what’s needed over the coming months."
Mosques across the country close
Over 375 mosques and prayer facilities suspended congregational activities in the past week following government instructions on social distancing, the Muslim Council of Britain confirms.
Among these are some of the biggest mosques in Britain, including East London Mosque, which holds 7,000 worshippers, London Central Mosque which sees over 5,000 people, and Birmingham Central Mosque, which regularly hosts over 2,500 people on Fridays.
"Safeguarding all of our communities is paramount, and it's reassuring so many mosques and prayer facilities have heeded this advice in trying their best to minimise the spread of the coronavirus," Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said.
"Crowds at mosques draw the elderly, vulnerable and those who are high risk. With the increasing rate of transmission and the number of deaths, for the safety of our families, our communities and society, we cannot afford to take any risks."
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