covid-19 situation in sudan - internews
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The Sudan the Rooted in Trust(RiT) project aims to addressCOVID-19 misinformation bycollecting and analyzing rumors.This bulletin is based on ananalysis of 308 rumors collectedin Arabic between 13 and 26January 2021, from Facebook,Twitter, and WhatsApp, andthrough face-to-face discussionswith community members inKassala, Khartoum, West Darfur,South Darfur, Blue Nile and SouthKordofan States.
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WHAT ARE RUMORS?Rumors are currently circulating stories or UNVERIFIED content of uncertain or
doubtful information collected from first-hand sources within the community whichcould take the shape of a question, criticism, or general comments on a situation ortopic. Rumors can be tricky because they might have some element of truth in them!
In this week’s bulletin we shed light on avariety of rumors, such as COVID-19 does notcome to Muslims, masks can become deadly,discouraging people from seekinghealthcare, burning of clothes and sandprotect against the virus.
This regular collection of community insightsaims to address questions and commonmisperceptions about COVID-19 found acrossSudan. It aims to help volunteers and fieldstaff provide fact-based answers to theircommunities’ questions and concerns.
COVID-19 IS REAL AND THERE ARE NEW CASES DIAGNOSED ALL THE TIME! BE SAFE: MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE, WASH YOUR HANDS, WEAR A MASK
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
COVID-19 HOTLINE - SERVING ALL
AREAS OF SUDAN: 9090 SUDAN HEALTH OBSERVATORY
WWW.SHO.GOV.SD/CONTROLLER
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WWW.EMRO.WHO.INT/AR
RUMOR RISK LEVELS: LOWMEDIUMHIGHRUMOR RISK LEVEL HIGH MEDIUM LOW
COVID-19 SITUATION IN SUDAN
As of 15 February2021, the officialnumber rose to
30,006 confirmedCOVID-19 cases,
compared to 28,097cases on 15 January
2021. Most casesidentified have been
in the capitalKhartoum and Al-
Gezira State.
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
Masks are not fatal after four hours.Healthcare workers often wear masks forlong hours to protect themselves andothers from a COVID-19 infection. COVID-19is a respiratory disease that can betransmitted when an infected personcoughs or sneezes, which allows droplets totravel between one person to another.Therefore, masks are our only defensemechanism when combined with theprecautions set by the Ministry of Health,such as washing our hands regularly withsoap and water for 40 seconds, maintaininga physical distance of 2 meters from others,and avoiding crowded public places asmuch as possible, such as markets orweddings. Although masks can be uncomfortable towear for long periods of time, especially inSudan because of the hot weather, they area necessary preventative measure againstCOVID-19. According to the World HealthOrganization, the prolonged use of masksdoes not lead to CO2 intoxication noroxygen deficiency.
Make sure your mask fits properly, and donot reuse disposable masks. Also, changeyour mask as soon as it gets damp. Washyour mask daily, if you are using a clothmask.
We should refrain from such fraudulentacts as they may have catastrophicconsequences and may complicate thehealth situation in our country evenfurther. The precautions set by theMinistry of Health and the World HealthOrganization should be followed, asthey minimize the risk of spreading thevirus to others, which can have fatalresults for older people and those withchronic diseases.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should self-quarantine at homefor 14 days and until your symptomssubside. This way you’re protectingyour family and others.
Within our communities, it is our role tohelp lower the risk of spreading thevirus to other communities byrenouncing such acts and by practicingand promoting the health measuresthat can protect our families and lovedones.
HIGH RISK HIGH RISK
COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7 FEBRUARY 2021FEBRUARY 2021
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““(((The mask after four hours becomesfatal)))” Male -Facebook
RUMOUR #1
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“People ......if your results came out positive,you can pay and they can change it tonegative so you can leave this country”
Female -Facebook
TESTING PREVENTATIVE
We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
Physical Distancing
Wear a mask
Wash your hands
Wear your mask atschool and when inpublic
Clean everything
Don't touch your eyes, nose andmouth
Don't touchyour face
Stay at home
COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7
We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
HOW CAN WE KEEPOUR CHILDREN SAFEAS THEY RETURN TO
SCHOOL?
The best way to avoid catchingand spreading Covid-19 is to
follow the preventive measures!
FEBRUARY 2021FEBRUARY 2021
Keep a distanceof one meter
Wash your handswith soap and waterfor 40 seconds
Disinfect surfaces usingsoap and water
Stay at home if youfeel sick
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
When experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, seek testing and professional medical care in order toprotect yourself, your family and community from the virus. When visiting a healthcare facility,you should practice the COVID-19 preventative measures, such as wearing your mask, keepingyour distance from others and by using an alcohol-based sanitizer to disinfect your hands(wash your hands with soap and water frequently if hand sanitizers are not available).
Even though vitamin D, C and zinc are critical for a well-functioning immune system and play avital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being, according to the World HealthOrganization, vitamins are not a treatment for COVID-19.
Misinformation on COVID-19 spreads easily and is likely to be believed by many people, whomay also pass on these rumors to others. We should refrain from sharing unconfirmedcomments and stories about the virus with others, and rely on the World Health Organizationfor reliable and factual information about COVID-19.
"The isolation center has people infected with Coronavirus for real, and you may not haveCorona. It is better to isolate yourself at home, save your money, just take vitamins C ... D ... zincacacia and natural juices, Baobab, and Tamarind” Male –Facebook
COVID-19 has not infected everyone. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019,more than 110 million people worldwide have contracted the virus, out of a global population of7.7 billion. This means that communities practicing the recommended preventative measures allover the world have helped reduce the global infection rates. By wearing a mask when in publicor feeling ill, washing our hands regularly with soap and water, and maintaining a physicaldistance of two meters from others we can protect our families and communities fromcontracting the COVID-19 virus.
Also avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact. Why? The risks ofgetting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where people spendlong periods of time together in close proximity. In these environments the virus appears tospread by respiratory droplets or aerosols more efficiently, so taking precautions is even moreimportant.
While we wait for the vaccine to arrive in Sudan, we should follow the COVID-19 precautionarymeasures set by the Sudanese Ministry of Health, as they can significantly lower the risk ofcontracting the virus, and can help keep our communities safe. By following the preventativesteps—such as wearing a mask when in public or feeling ill, and washing our hands regularly withsoap and water—we can help protect the people most at risk, such as older adults, conflicted-affected people, low-income families and those with chronic diseases.
“BTW, corona will infect everyone no matter how cautious we are and even if we stay home itwill infect everyone, and everyone has to rely on their immunity, and may God save us all, areyou ready????” Female - Facebook
MEDIUM RISK
MEDIUM RISK
COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7 FEBRUARY 2021FEBRUARY 2021
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HEALTHCARE
IMMUNITY
We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
“Corona is only in wedding halls, schools anduniversities or what, or is the exhibitionsterilized?” Male -Facebook
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus,meaning that it spreads quickly in theideal circumstances. Public events, such asfestivals, can create the perfect breedingground since hundreds or thousands ofpeople are gathered in one area whichcan lead to a high increase in COVID-19cases, further burdening the healthsystem in responding to the pandemic.
As an event planner it is your role to postsigns promoting everyday protectivemeasures, making sure that you haveaccessible restrooms for attendees towash their hands frequently, properventilation and maintaining a healthyenvironment by cleaning and disinfectingfrequently touched surfaces, such astabletops and doorknobs. If you plan toattend any public or family events, youshould keep a distance of 2 meters fromothers, wear a mask, refrain fromtouching your nose, eyes and mouth, anddisinfect your hands regularly by using ahand sanitizer or washing your hands withsoap and water. By following thesepreventative measures, you are protectingyourself and others from contractingCOVID-19.
“Our area has sandstorms, and sand takesaway diseases and pandemics. This is whyCorona does not come to us” Female -Kassala
COVID-19 cases have been reported allover the world and in countries withdifferent climates. Even countries wheresandstorms are common, such as theArabian Gulf countries, have reportedmore than one million confirmed COVID-19cases.
According to the United NationsEnvironment Programme, currently thereare not enough studies to understandthe impact of sandstorms and dust on thetransmission of diseases through dustparticles.
Misinformation on COVID-19 spreads easilyand is likely to be believed by manypeople, who may also pass on theserumors to others. Since COVID-19 is arelatively new virus, doctors are stilllearning more about the disease. Toreduce the negative impacts of the virus,we should refrain from sharingunconfirmed comments and storiesabout COVID-19 with others, and rely onthe World Health Organization for reliableand factual information on the virus.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5 NOVEMBER 2020NOVEMBER 2020
RUMOUR #5
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7 FEBRUARY 2021FEBRUARY 2021
IMMUNITYTRANSMISSION
We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
LOW RISK LOW RISK
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
RUMOUR #7
ANSW
ERCOMMUNITY BULLETIN #5COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5 DECEMBER 2020DECEMBER 2020
“Corona does not come to people who doWudu [before] every prayer” Female -Kassala
“Muslim countries do not get Corona” Male –Damazine
RUMOUR #8“Lemon steam brings back the sense ofsmell, this is what I heard” Female –Damazine
“I heard that tea with salt is the cure toCOVID-19” Male –Damazine
Even though tea and lemon arebeneficial to our health, there is noevidence that either of the two can helpwith the loss of smell or treat a COVID-19infection. Most herbs and plant-basedfoods are beneficial for our bodies andare great sources of vitamins andessential nutrients. However, there is noevidence that herbal remedies cancure or prevent COVID-19. In fact, there isno cure for the virus. Many people have been relying onherbal remedies, and other remediesreadily available at home, falselybelieving that they could prevent ortreat a COVID-19 infection. If you areexperiencing COVID-19 symptoms, pleasetalk to a professional health provider—such as your doctor—for best practiceson reducing the symptoms. We should also follow the preventativemeasures set by the Ministry of Health,while we wait for the vaccine rollout inSudan. The COVID-19 vaccines will helpreduce the risk of experiencing severesymptoms from the virus. According tothe World Health Organization, the bestway to protect yourself from contractingthe virus is by keeping a distance of twometers from others, washing your handsfrequently and thoroughly, and wearinga mask when in public or feeling ill. Tostay healthy, maintain a balanced diet,stay well hydrated, exercise regularlyand sleep well.
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7 FEBRUARY 2021FEBRUARY 2021
We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
RELIGION TREATMENT/CURE
LOW RISKLOW RISK
Wudu is a healthy Muslim practice thatcleanses the body with just water for atleast five times a day. However, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can only beremoved effectively from our hands withsoap and water. To cleanse our handsfrom the COVID-19 virus, we shouldfollow the Ministry of Health’s advice andwash our hands with soap and waterwater for 40 seconds.
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that canaffect anyone regardless of their age,gender, ethnicity, or religion. Accordingto the World Health Organization, thereare currently more than 110 million casesof COVID-19 around the world. In Sudan,the Ministry of Health recorded so farmore than 30,000 cases.
Since COVID-19 is a highly contagiousvirus, we should follow the preventativemeasure set by the Sudanese Ministry ofhealth, such as social distancing, washingour hands with soap and water for 40seconds, and avoiding public gatheringsas much as possible as they could besuitable places for the spread of thevirus.
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
COVID-19 cases have been reportedacross all countries, including Sudan, andas of 15 February 2021, accordingto the Sudanese Ministry of Health morethan 30,000 COVID-19 cases have beenreported in the country. Sudanese arenot immune to the virus and can catch itjust like anyone else, regardless of thestrength or weakness of their immunesystem.
We should remember that spreadingmisinformation in our communities canhave negative effects as it causes peopleto become dismissive of healthprecautions that we should all follow tokeep ourselves and our communitiessafe.
Clean bed sheets, towels and clothesregularly. Wash items with soap or detergent,using warm water and dry itemscompletely — both steps help to kill thevirus.Wash your hands with soap and water,or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizerimmediately afterwards.Wash or disinfect your laundry bagand hamper as well. Consider storing laundry in disposablebags.
COVID-19 patients and individuals withclose contact to patients should self-isolate and follow the precautions set bythe Ministry of Health until the risk ofsecondary transmission to others is low.
COVID-19 patients’ clothes can be cleanedand disinfected without the need to burnthem.
Please follow these tips when doinglaundry at home:
For more information, please visit: Centerfor Disease Control and Preventionpage on how to clean and disinfect yourhome and personal belongings.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5COMMUNITY BULLETIN #5 NOVEMBER 2020NOVEMBER 2020
LOW RISK LOW RISK
“Corona is the same as (Umhawhaw) butEuropeans’ immunity is weak, this is whythey cannot resist COVID-19” Female -Elgenina
“Corona does not come to Sudanesebecause we’re strong” Male- Karari
“Burning Corona patient clothes” Female -Kassala
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PREVENTATIVEIMMUNITY
We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
www.internews.org [email protected] @Internews_COVID facebook.com/InternewsCovid19
Govern
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Cause
/Orig
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COVID-19 Im
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Health
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Hoax
Immunity
Preve
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Reinfec
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Symptoms
Testi
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Vaccin
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25
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7COMMUNITY BULLETIN #7
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE COVID-19?
TOP RUMOR THEMES
Please note if youexperience any symptoms,
seek testing. Otherwise,follow the preventative
measures set by theMinistry of Health
Follow a 14-day strictquarantine or the
recommendedtreatment by a
licensed doctor basedon the severity of the
symptoms
FEBRUARY 2021FEBRUARY 2021
Have you been in close contact withsomeone who has been diagnosed positive
with COVID-19?
YesNO
Yes NO
Follow a 14-day strictquarantine and be
vigilant of symptoms
Do you have any symptoms such as fever,cough, or a sore throat?
Request a PCR test.Did the test show a
positive result?
YesNO
Follow a 14-day strictquarantine and be
vilgilant of symptoms
RUMOR THEMES
NUM
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RUM
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We welcome your feedback, questions, and suggestions.Please contact: Mustafa Omer - Humanitarian Data Analyst - [email protected]
Analysis of 308 rumors collected in Arabic between 13 to 26 January 2021