Over the course of the past week, the Jamat has seen that confirmed cases have rapidly increased due to local transmission. Today, the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children announced that there are now 147 total confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the country. These new cases are within affected regions, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Pwani, Lindi, and Kagera. Yesterday, His Excellency President John Pombe Magufuli declared three days of prayer (April 17 to April 19) and urged citizens to turn to their respective religions to pray for the country.
The National Council of Tanzania reiterates that this is a very serious situation and it should not be taken lightly. We are no longer in the prevention phase – the situation has evolved to the protection phase. Now, more than ever, we need to heed all health protection measures as MUCH as possible to protect yourselves, your families, and those around you. We need you to do your part for the health and safety of everyone.
With the ongoing efforts for curbing the spread of the virus, the Government of Tanzania has initiated the following directives:
- Extended closure of all schools and tertiary institutions until further notice;
- Continued suspension of political gatherings and rallies; sports activities and interschool games throughout the country;
- All celebrations for Union Day (April 26th) and Labor Day (May 1st) are cancelled;
- Specifically for the Dar es Salaam Region:
- 24 sample collection centres (health centres and hospitals) have been identified by the office of the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, where residents can have their samples collected, including the Aga Khan Hospital. See full list here: https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/1840340-5524920-avoool/index.html;
- Minimize your movements as much as possible within the region; avoid all unnecessary travel;
- Dar es Salaam residents should avoid traveling outside of Dar es Salaam and residents of other regions should avoid visiting Dar es Salaam
The National Council for Tanzania and its Task Force urge all Jamati members to adhere to these directives. Please stay at home unless it is an absolute emergency. Do not visit any family, friends or socialize at restaurants.
We also remind the Jamat:
- If you need to go outside of your home, wear a mask at all times in public places AND maintain a physical distance of 2 meters from others;
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly; avoid shaking hands and hugging;
- If you have mild, flu-like symptoms, seek medical help immediately by contacting the Aga Khan Health Board at 0743 110 114 or 0745 110 785 or the Aga Khan Hospital at 0785 749 359. Distance yourself from others at home by self-isolating in a separate room so you protect those around you;
- Keep your home clean at all times; disinfect “high-touch” surfaces.
In case of an emergency, call the Safety & Security team at 0746 777 728. We will continue to provide updates to the Jamat as regularly as possible, with the changing situation. We will continue to communicate through the following communication channels:
- SMS alerts
- Telegram Messenger app
- Khabar website: http://www.khabar.co.tz/covid19/
- The Ismaili Tanzania Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIsmailiTanzania/
We appreciate the Jamat’s support in following the government guidelines to contain the spread of Coronavirus. The protection of the Jamat is our utmost priority and responsibility.
We can get through this better together as one Jamat. Stay home and stay safe.