The ISIS group, that once directed its members to attack major European cities, has issued a travel advisory to avoid traveling to the continent because of the coronavirus, described it as "the land of the epidemic.”
The terrorist group has offered new “religious directives” for its members to follow like: washing their hands frequently and “cover the mouth when yawning and sneezing.”
In the group's latest al-Naba newsletter, ISIS advises the healthy not to enter coronavirus-stricken areas and "the afflicted should not exit from it.”
The newsletter said ISIS members should maintain their faith in God and "put trust in God and seek refuge in Him from illnesses.” It described coronavirus as a “torment sent by God on whomsoever He wills”.
The new directives came after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced last week that Europe is now the "epicenter" of the global coronavirus pandemic.
ISIS first emerged in 2014 when it seized large areas of Iraq and Syria in a rapid advance.
Following the coronavirus outbreak, Italy, France, and Spain have banned public gatherings and directed many bars and shops to shut down. A number of European countries, including Poland, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, have closed their borders to foreigners.
Meanwhile, France announced new measures to address the pandemic, as Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ordered most shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities to close and told people to stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Exceptions to the ban will include grocery stores, pharmacies and petrol stations. He explained that public transportation will continue to operate, but he appealed citizens to limit its use.
Philippe also urged the French people to work from home, describing the epidemic as "the biggest health crisis facing France in a century."
The prime minister explained that the spread of the virus in France is accelerating and the number of patients requiring intensive care is increasing.
The British government urged anyone with a cough or high temperature to stay at home for seven days, keeping away from other people, including those in their home if possible. It indicated that these directives apply to everyone, regardless of whether they have travelled abroad.
