MUHAMMADIYAH.ID, YOGYAKARTA – General Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir emphasized a COVID-19 pandemic is real.

“More than 7 million people in the world are infected, and 400 thousand people pass away. In Indonesia, the number of COVID-19 patients and deaths are escalating. This plague is deadly. Preventing COVID-19 transmissions is vital to save lives,” declared Haedar on Tuesday (18/8).

He added that the prevention and being cautious are efforts. The behaviors do not show fear and paranoia.

“If we doubt the existence of this virus, we may look around us. This COVID-19 can be transmitted quickly and it is dangerous. Doctors and health workers are at high risk. Many of them are infected and passed away. Do we have sympathy still?” stressed Haedar.

He also stated that a new normal is necessary, but it should not be enforced. Safety must come first. If an activity is not urgent and can be conducted online, why does the mass activity remain to be organized?

“We have to learn to be wise and have empathy. Human lives are priceless. Saving people’s lives is a part of a religious command,” maintained Haedar.