Update 22 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

To our Community members and attendees,

We hope you are all keeping well.

May the Almighty accept our azadāri in this month where we express our grief and sorrow as we commemorate the Martyrdom of Imām al-Husayn (a) and the tragedy of Karbala.

If you haven’t done so, please read our previous communique that included precautionary advice for Muharram and guidelines for keeping majālis and programs in our centres and homes.

The COVID-19 Crisis Task Force met on Tuesday August 18, 2020 to discuss the latest medical updates as well as the success of reopening the Jaffari Community Centre for salāt.

As cases in Ontario continue to fluctuate, our medical experts enlightened us on the metrics that Canadian health care professionals are monitoring to determine the magnitude of risk of COVID-19 spread. One of the most important metrics they are watching is the number of active cases per 100,000 people.

If less than 50:
The risk is considered ‘acceptable’ and we can continue to plan for our phase-by-phase reopening of our centres and having in-person programs.

Between 50 and 100:
When we are between 50 and 100 cases per 100,000, further studies are required to make reopening decisions as many factors come into play.

If more than 100:
We would need to consider returning to virtual programs with no in-person programs at our centres.

Alhamdulilāh, as of this 10:00 am this morning, there are 8 active cases per 100,000 people in Ontario. This number can change quickly and, along with others, is being closely monitored by the COVID-19 Crisis Task Force.

Jaffari Community Centre – Open for Fajr and Dhuhrayn Salāt

After a positive experience with reopening up Jaffari Community Centre for Fajr salāt, the ISIJ of Toronto decided to open the Jaffari Community Centre for Dhuhrayn salāt (for both ladies and gents) earlier this week. This will give us an opportunity to continue to expand the testing of the robustness of our processes and protocols.Those wishing to attend JCC for Fajr and/or Dhuhrayn prayers, must complete the online registration form. The form must be completed for each date that you wish to pray at the centre.

Please ensure you have also watched the video of guidelines (click here) prior to arrival so that you are familiar with the procedures.

Masumeen Islamic Centre – Opening for Fajr Salāt after 12 days.

The Masumeen Islamic Centre is in the process of preparing for reopening for Fajr salāt after the 12 days. Details and dates to soon follow.

We urge each and every one of our community members and attendees to please take care and keep safe. Our patience during these times, will insha’Allāh be rewarded and we hope that next Muharram we are together at our centre(s).