EDITORIAL (Halbeeg News) –
As of 13th April, the novel Coronavirus had infected 1,895,993 individuals worldwide, with 117,664 of them died while 438,205 recovered, according to Worldometer.
Since first case being recorded late last year in China, the Covid-19 coronavirus has spread around the world, and been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
COVID19 is real
Just look at these figures recorded by developed countries.
United States – 547,681 cases, 21,692 deaths
Spain – 166,019 cases, 16,972 deaths
Italy – 156,363 cases, 19,899 deaths
France – 133,667 cases, 14,412 deaths
Germany – 127,007 cases, 2,961 deaths
United Kingdom – 85,199 cases, 10,629 deaths
China – 83,134 cases, 3,343 deaths
If US, Italy, Spain and the France demonstrate anything, it is how deadly and devastating it can be for those countries that underestimate the danger of this invisible enemy that only manifests through mind-numbing suffering and fatalities.
Get up, Somalis! Coronavirus is real and deadly with no age limit, it can kill everyone, no matter the status.
Not just for people over 65 (who, so far, have made up most of deaths worldwide). And not just for people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems who are at higher risk for serious illness.
In fact, all adults are at some risk. (Happily, young children continue to be spared the worst of the infection.) As it turns out, about 40% of the people hospitalized with coronavirus infections in developed countries including US are non-boomers between the ages of 20 and 54, and since most of them are still sick.
The country confirmed first case of Coronavirus on 16th of last month, since then two people have died from the disease and two others recovered as the number of cases rise to 25.
Thus far, the government has acted, admitting infection within our borders was the first bold step towards tackling it.
Somalia recorded the first death from COVID-19 on 9th April after 58-year-old man succumbed to the disease just after he tested positive for the virus.
The case was the first local transmission as he did not have any travel history.
The second demise case occurred on 12th April when regional minister lost the battle to disease.
Khalif Mumin Tohow, State minister Justice in Hirshabelle died of the novel coronavirus in Mogadishu’s Martini hospital a day after he tested positive in the town of Jowhar.
Tohow reportedly travelled back from UK but date of his return is yet unclear.
This shows the existence of local transmission as well as those with no travel history.
There is a possible spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country as well as unattended cases reported in various medical facilities, according to Somali Medical Association (SMA).
In regard to the emerging reports, the virus is likely to have position in the country contrary to the small cases quarantined in Adan Adde Airport.
Of course every country has had to adapt its own unique approach to the threat but there are certain constants.
The government deployed emergency laws to ensure compliance with measures aimed at stopping the spread of the new coronavirus.
It has imposed a 12-hour curfew, shut down schools, universities and suspended local and international flight compliance with the measures has been uneven and yet the virus is manifesting itself in different ways.
Despite these efforts to contain the disease yet it seems that the country need to take robust measures to fight against the pandemic.
Mosque closures
The main ways the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing and having contact with a patient though there are other ways to contract the virus.
As the world engages in a mad rush against time to stop the spread of the virus and find a cure, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, varying levels of social distancing have been implemented around the world.
Across the world, ban of movement and gathering has been implemented to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
Many Muslim countries have closed mosques as the religious institutions are part of places gathered by many worshippers.
For instance, Saudi Arabia which hosts two holy mosques had declared suspension of congregational prayers at mosques including Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, which contains Islam’s most sacred place (the Kaaba) and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina as many other Muslim countries follow suit.
But Somali government has not yet declared the closure of mosques in the country.
It was recommendable decision to close the learning institutions but a move to suspend congregational prayers is also vital for the fight against the novel Coronavirus. Because normally, the activities in the mosques, especially prayers, are needed people to perform shoulder to shoulder, thus there is possibility of the virus to spread very fast.
As the virus flexes its muscles, there is no need of keeping our mosques open.
Somalia, a country where the matter of religious untouchable is on the prink to fall victim of virus. Reliable sources say some of the country’s political leaders had discussion with the religious leaders over the proposal to close the mosques but the clerics reportedly turned down the idea.
Furthermore, reports indicate that some clerics were infected by the virus.
Several other imams have also issued statements to oppose the proposal to suspend congregational prayers at mosques.
The public which has not yet commented on the issue waits the clerics to play their role in efforts to save the public.
Things which should be avoided
Despite the universal measures to curb spread of COVID19 being implemented, yet there are issues which could not be implemented in Somalia due to several challenges.
The most suitable method used to fight COVID19 is total lockdown but Somalia cannot use this method as it could not provide basic needs to the public.
By imposing total lockdown and cessation of movement, Somalis who majority depends on casual jobs would face hunger.
On Sunday, while taking well calculated steps, Somali government declared dusk to dawn curfew which is being imposed on Mogadishu daily from 8pm to 5am for indefinite period. But still there is no sign of total lockdown.
In way to cope up with situation, the government would have issue directives which are simple and could very important role in prevention of COVID19.
Among the issues government is needed to exert pressure on are imposing compulsory facemask and hand gloves, strict social distancing. These measures would have played vital role in stopping the spread of COVID19.
The government should also mull the suspension on local flights as the flights were backbone of number of areas which need supply by air.
Therefore, the government should review the reason of the travel so that those with those with no good reason be dealt.
Recommendation
Public awareness and well calculated directive are only weapons to fight against the virus. The government is also needed to talk about fact about the disease to bar false and myth about the disease.
The government should be only sources to disseminate information and advice therefore the government should cooperate with the doctors and clerics.
It is necessary the government to close the mosques and refrain from any step which plunge the situation of the country into tragic and hunger state.
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