World Health Organization Declares COVID-19 Global Pandemic

UNITED SIKHS provides health information to maintain healthy spaces for Gurdwaras

VaaheGuroo Ji Ka Khalsa, VaaheGuroo Ji Ki Fateh

New York, N.Y. — On March 11th the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, reporting 114 countries have confirmed 118,000 cases of Covid-19.  As a pandemic, there is now a possibility that up to 1 in every 5 people will be ill at the same time across the globe.

In the United States, lack of testing kits has been a concern for those who are facing symptoms of the virus. Without an adequate amount of testing kits available, the virus has a greater chance of being spread faster and in areas where it could otherwise be prevented.

The Sikh population is particularly concerned with how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and limit its exposure in gurdwaras in the US and around the world. UNITED SIKHS has provided the following information to share within gurdwaras and for sewadars to share with family members and leaders in Sikh communities.

THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• high temperature
• shortness of breath

The symptoms of COVID-19 are like cold and flu. If you have those symptoms, call your doctor immediately and self-quarantine at home until tested. Presently, there is no COVID-19 vaccine.

KEEPING THE SANGAT SAFE

To prevent panic, it is important to note that most people recover from the Coronavirus after having flu like symptoms for about a week

• ALWAYS PREVENT FROM TOUCHING YOUR FACE
• Make sure that there are enough soap supplies by wash basins
• Avoid using cotton towels. Use paper towels or hand dryers instead
• Wash any rumaals and chunniya regularly, and ask people to put rumaals/chunniya in a separate wash basket after use
• Have posters up to encourage people to wash their hands regularly while at the gurdwara. UNITED SIKHS has a variety of safety materials to share, download here.
• Be aware that hand sanitizers contain alcohol, so soap and water is the best way to ensure hygiene at the gurdwara
• Avoid hugs and handshakes
• Regularly clean the area in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji where people will be touching their head on the floor for mattha tek
• Regularly clean surfaces that will be touched frequently, such as door handles and the golak

Langar and Prashad

• Sewadars are encouraged to wear disposable plastic gloves when preparing and serving langar or parshad
• Do not touch the hands of the person receiving the langar or parshad
• Cups and plates should be taken to be washed immediately after use
• Additional helpings of any food should always be served on a new unused clean plate.
• If a sewadar is coughing in or near the langar preparation or serving area, they should be removed from the area immediately
• No sewadars should be allowed in the kitchen if they are not feeling well
• Everyone should wash their hands before and after having langar and prashad
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 by regularly checking the UNITED SIKHS website

ELDER CARE

The geriatric population and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk from the Coronavirus.

Many gurdwaras attract a higher proportion of older people, so please be aware of the impact on them if any issues do arise.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

The Coronavirus is currently a pandemic. Gurdwaras and organizations are encouraged to consider what contingencies they can implement in order to avoid closing.

Questions to consider:

• Are there enough sewadars to ensure that the langar can be prepared and served?
• What will you do if a granthi becomes unwell?
• Are there others who can step up to duties if necessary?
• Vaisakhi is a few weeks away, consider postponement and alerts to the gurdwara to stay informed.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

CDC Health Guideline
International Travel 
Download Resources in Panjabi 
    –Poster 1
    –Poster 2
    –Poster 3
Download Resources in English
    –Poster 1
    –Poster 2
    –Poster 3
    –Poster 4
    –Poster 5

United States residents in need of immediate assistance can reach out to UNITED SIKHS UMEED hotline at 855.878.6333 or email contact@unitedsikhs.org