Update 25 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

To our Community members and attendees,

We hope you are all keeping well.

In the last seven days our province has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases with 783 reported on Thursday and 712 cases reported today. In addition to the rise in cases it has been quite concerning to see that the number of new infections in York Region is increasing with 127 cases registered on Thursday – a new record-high for the area. While initially Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa were highlighted as the three hotspots that introduced modified Stage 2 restrictions last week, York Region has been a concern and, as a result, Premier Doug Ford announced today that York Region will be moving to modified Stage 2 on Monday October 19, 2020 at 12:01 am for at least 28 days.

At the beginning of October we communicated that the rate of active cases was 34 per 100,000 people. As of October 16, 2020, the rate is 66 active cases per 100,000 people in Ontario.

Our medical experts are continuously emphasizing the importance of taking EVERY MEASURE during EVERY MOMENT of our day, and consciously acting in ways that can prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

• Always keep a 2-metre physical distance from others who are outside of our small, consistent and trusted contacts bubble, whether outdoors or indoors.
• Always keep up with good hygiene habits of frequent and meticulous handwashing, covering coughs and wearing a non-medical mask or face covering where appropriate.
• Limit the amount of time and the number of people come into close contact with.
• Opt for lower risk settings/situations where public health measures and policies are in place whenever possible.
• Keep your in-person contacts bubble small; connect with family and friends outside your household virtually.
• Stay home and self-isolate if you have symptoms, even mild ones.

As the colder days of fall and winter arrive, so too will other respiratory viruses. It is also important to limit the spread of these viruses (including influenza and others) so that our healthcare resources do not become overwhelmed. Our medical experts are urging us all to do our part by getting the flu shot and staying home if you feel unwell.

We urge each and every one of our community members and attendees to please take care and keep safe.

Please keep our community and all of humanity at the forefront of your prayers. May we be relieved of this difficult situation soon.

With Salāms & Du’ās

ISIJ Secretariat Office
Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto
905.695.9786 | [email protected]