السلام عليكم
The Islamic Association of Grande Prairie has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and continues to observe Health Canada’s recommendations. Our first priority is the continued safety of our community. Public health officials continue to advise that social distancing is the most effective strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In view of the Alberta government advisories announced on March 27, 2020 the Masjid Board, in consultation with community members, has decided to close the masjid immediately until further notice. All congregations, prayers, classes or other events are cancelled with immediate effect.
These are extraordinary times and we needed to take this decision with a heavy heart. The government has prohibited all gathering over 15 people and any gathering under 15 people that include members of critical infrastructure or critical service roles (e.g. healthcare workers, first responders, electric/power workers, telecommunications), people 60 years of age or older and individuals with chronic medical conditions. There are additional prohibitions as well. We feel that managing access to only allowed individuals would not be practicable and therefore this difficult decision needed to be taken.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and we hope and pray to Allah that we can resume some activities before Ramadan.
Access to the masjid will be by appointment only, by contacting the Imam.
Useful links:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html
Alberta Government Link – Restrictions on gatherings and businesses
https://www.alberta.ca/restrictions-on-gatherings-and-businesses.aspx
The Fiqh Council of North America – Prayer and Funeral Issues Pertaining to Covid-19
http://fiqhcouncil.org/prayer-and-funeral-issues-pertaining-to-covid-19/