Update 19 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum

To our Community members and attendees,

In today’s report, the province of Ontario reported 111 new cases, a very small increase after the province hit a 16-week low on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 37,163. 30 of the province’s 34 public health units are reporting five or fewer cases, with 19 of them reporting no new cases at all.

As the province has seen a steady downward trend in cases, Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday that several regions will move to Stage 3 of the reopening plan. York, Peel and Hamilton regions remain among the 10 regions that will not be moving to Stage 3 until COVID-19 case numbers continue to decline in those regions.

Changes are imminent!
Last week, Peel and York regions, among others, mandated the wearing of a mask in public indoor spaces. We must ensure that we follow all guidelines set out by our province and region, maximizing our contribution to containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The COVID-19 Crisis Task Force came together for their weekly meeting on Tuesday July 14, 2020 to discuss our reopening readiness plan and the next steps for our community. Having deliberated on the new guidelines put forth by the province, as well as the preparations by our teams, we share with you the following:

Funerals/Burials

1. Ghusl/Kafan for non-COVID-19 deaths will now take place at the Jaffari Community Centre, with enhanced measures in place for volunteers to be fully PPE equipped, disinfection and sanitization of the Ghusl Facility.
2. Effective immediately, all volunteers and attendees MUST wear a mask at all times (at the centre and at the cemetery). (as mandated by the BAO – Bereavement Authority of Ontario)
3. The maximum number of attendees at the centre and at the cemetery will now be 50 individuals. This includes volunteers and administration.
4. Pre-registration and pre-screening will be required by every single attendee attending the funeral/burial. Secondary screening will take place upon arrival.
5. If you have not pre-registered for the funeral/burial, you will not be allowed to attend.

Nikah Ceremonies

1. The Jaffari Community Centre, specifically, will open for Nikah ceremonies* for a maximum of 50 individuals. This includes volunteers and administration.
2. All volunteers and attendees MUST wear a mask at all times (as mandated).
3. The Secretariat will liaise guidelines with the booking parties for which they will have to sign an agreement, in order for the booking to proceed.
4. Pre-registration and pre-screening will be required by every single attendee attending the event. Secondary screening will take place upon arrival.
5. If you have not pre-registered for the event, you will not be allowed to attend.

*an altered Nikah ceremony format will be discussed with the booking parties. Ceremonies are to be short, accommodating a brief introduction, recitation of Hadith-e-Kisa and the Nikah, only.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of adhering to the above guidelines, ensuring we stay within our limit of attendees while practicing physical distancing and taking precautionary measures such as wearing masks, personal hygiene and sanitization.

These are, indeed, difficult times, but with precautionary measures in place, we hope that reopening for weddings and allowing an increase in the number of attendees for funerals will be a step in the right direction. The well-being and safety of our community and attendees is of topmost priority.