Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), announced a number of proactive measures to face the risk of the spread of Covid-19, most notably the single payment of the salaries of March and April to enable the staff members to address any emergency over the coming period.

Dr. AlMalik, during a meeting with the staff members yesterday at ICESCO headquarters, also stated that 50% of the staff members will be allowed to work from home, especially the sectors and centers able to work online and according to the working requirements of each direction, while reaffirming that the Organization is committed to all the measures relevant to the labor regulations taken by the Moroccan authorities to face the risk of the spread of the virus.

Besides, Dr. AlMalik stressed that the Organization strongly supports its staff members in general, and during such exceptional circumstances in particular; they were provided with sanitizers and masks to prevent infection.

During this meeting, Dr. AlMalik, who is also an immunologist and allergist, gave an awareness-raising lecture to the staff members on Covid-19 and ways of prevention. He defined the nature of the virus and identified its incubation period and the most common causes of transmission and infection while reaffirming that avoiding crowds, ensuring social distancing and properly washing hands with water and soap are likely to decrease the spread of the virus. He also stressed the importance of repeatedly drinking water and warm drinks, and eating healthy food and fruits.

Afterwards, Dr. AlMalik answered the questions of some staff members concerning some drugs for increasing immunity, the risk of the virus on children, the truth of some medications prescribed for Covid-19 by using popular herb-based prescriptions. Dr. AlMalik said that the best means to boost the immunity system is by eating healthy food and fruits rich in vitamins while stressing that this disease is less dangerous for children and young people except for cases with chronic diseases. He also stated that herb-based remedies are unstudied and not approved.

In conclusion, ICESCO Director General wished safety for all ICESCO’s staff members and beseeched Allah Almighty to save the world from this pandemic as soon as possible.