Update 4 from COVID-19 Crisis Task Force

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum

To our Community members and attendees,

We hope you are all keeping well.

We are slowly beginning to normalize a new routine as the COVID-19 health crisis continues. Cases worldwide are on the rise, and now, more than ever, we are being urged by our leaders, to do our part and exercise physical/social distancing, staying at home, and only coming out if necessary. Some of us are anxious and worried, but we want to assure you – that we are all in this together. We are blessed to have scholars and learned individuals in our communities who are reminding us to be strong in our faith, providing words of encouragement and accommodating online interactive sessions where we can have our questions answered.

In our latest weekly teleconference call, the COVID-19 Crisis Task Force discussed the latest updates on cases in Canada, the need to emphasize physical distancing, and the great initiatives committees and individuals are taking to set up online sessions, share tips on home activities with kids, and positive vibes! We also discussed upcoming programs that are being planned for various age groups within our community.

What is physical distancing? We aren’t being asked to cut down socializing, as a matter of fact, technology today lets us do nearly anything virtually! However, physical distancing is really about being physically apart from others, to help stop the spread of the virus. Socially, we need to stick together – just in a virtual way!

YES, YOU CAN:

  • Stay at home and read a good book!
  • Check in with your loved ones on the phone or via email
  • Have an online game night with friends
  • Go for essential needs such as groceries (but please keep the 2 metre distance with others)
  • Pick up medication
  • Take a walk or a bike ride
  • Call an elderly or a neighbour and ask after their wellbeing
  • Check out our resources page and make ‘staying at home’ fun!

NO, YOU CANNOT:

  • Get together in person with friends and family
  • Have a sleepover or a play date
  • Go to parks and/or other places to ‘hang out’
  • Go out for non-essential needs.
This list is much shorter.

insha’Allah, together, we can focus on the ‘YES’ list and make our stay at home a positive one.

Earlier this week, we shared a communique on Mental well-being and what we can do whilst we are at home. Check it out and email us if you’re doing something different. We can share it with the community!
Remember to prioritize personal hygiene with WHASUP! – Wash Hands, Always Sanitize, and Use Precaution.

There are many non-essential services that have been mandated to close for 14 days. For a list of essential and non-essential services, click here.

We ask that you keep our community and all of humanity at the forefront of your prayers and seek to the Almighty that we are 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]

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