Coronavirus Emergency Effort

Update on Our Efforts

Due to tremendous need and an overwhelming response from our donors, Islamic Relief USA has increased its COVID-19 response commitment again, now to some $5 million from the initial $1.9 million. And globally, the Islamic Relief family has responded with $10 million so far to help.

Work Across the U.S. and Around the World

IRUSA is working with more than 140 partners across the United States to get critical aid to communities that are in desperate need of support. From food aid distributions in Washington, DC, and Flint, MI, to financial aid to families in Brooklyn, NY, and Bellevue, WA, to PPE deliveries in Chicago, IL, Richardson, TX, and Los Angeles, CA, and dozens of cities in between, Islamic Relief USA donors, volunteers, partners, and staff are working together to reach those most vulnerable right now in some of the hardest hit areas.

Working together with our generous and compassionate donors, we’ve been able to reach families affected by coronavirus in 33 countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Canada, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Yemen, and right here in the United States.

There’s Still More To Do. Here’s How You Can Help:

$10 can provide an individual meal.
$50 can provide a family with a food package.
$100 can provide rice and meal essentials for five families
$500 helps give financial assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors
$2,500 provides 500 masks to help a hospital

PLEASE NOTE: Donations made toward IRUSA’s Health or Food Aid funds may be used to support emergency or long-term related work here in the United States and across the world.

We’ve partnered with Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen to bring more than 100,000 fresh, nutritious meals to communities in need across the country through the #ChefsforAmerica initiative!

You can help support this work and more by donating today.

Resources

Downloadable Infographics

Quick Links

Recommended Precautions
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Steps To Prevent The Spread
IRUSA Press Release

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COVID-19?
The CDC and WHO are actively monitoring the outbreak of a new coronavirus strain called COVID-19, which causes respiratory illness. The virus, which has infected thousands of people worldwide and caused deaths, originated in Wuhan City, China. As of March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization has declared the situation a pandemic. Additional cases have now been reported in the United States. Visit the CDC Traveler’s Health website for travel notices and precautions.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

People with heart and lung disease or weakened immune systems, as well as infants and older adults, are at higher risk for upper and lower respiratory tract illness.

How is COVID-19 spread?
Human coronaviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing and through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.

What is the official name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus?
The World Health Organization announced the official name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus on February 11, 2020. The new name is COVID-19, short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”

General Precautions

1. Stay at home as much as is possible, and follow your state’s stay-at-home mandates, as well as any additional recommendations for essential travel or grocery shopping.
2. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website frequently for updates on the pandemic and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
3. Put distance between yourself and other people (ideally at least six feet apart); just say “hi” or “salaam” verbally and do not shake hands.
4. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly, including before wadu (ablution); use hand sanitizer often.
5. When you sneeze and cough, do so into a tissue or your arm and wash your hands with soap and water (for 20 seconds) right after.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily.
7. Wear gloves and masks when in public spaces, and make sure to discard or wash them (as applicable) after each use. Learn how to properly use your gloves and masks too.