Assalaamu-alaikum dear brothers and sisters,
In light of the state of emergency the governor has declared in the State of Connecticut and the global pandemic the WHO has declared, the board of IAGH has decided it is prudent to update the community on specific actions we are taking in order to be a community that takes our resposibility seriously and keeps our community safe.
Coronavirus affects the elderly and those who are immunodeficient – including those who have diabetes and heart and lung disease most severely and has a significantly higher mortality than the flu. These actions are taken to prevent the spread of the virus especially as it is life threatening to them – so PLEASE do your part. We need your cooperation to keep us all safe. If you are in the above categories please stay at home until the outbreak is over.
As Muslims it is our duty to minimize harm to the community at large.
We ask:
- If you are exhibiting any signs of a cold – including coughing, sneezing and fever and chills or shortness of breath – that you stay at home. If you test positive then you should stay away from the masjid in quarantine for 14 days
- If you have recently travelled overseas, especially to Europe, Middle East or Far East please stay in quarantine and do not attend the mosque for 14 days.
- If you have been in contact with anyone with the Coronavirus – stay in quarantine and do not attend the mosque for 14 days.
- Please bring a prayer rug with you for added protection.
- Strictly no hand shaking or hugging or other bodily contact – a verbal “Assalamu-alaikum” is adequate at this time.
- Please bring tissues and use them if you sneeze. Use hand sanitizer as needed.
- If you are thought to be unwell by members of the masjid administrative team please understand if we ask you to kindly leave. We are doing this with the best interest of the community.
You should:
- Wash your hands frequently and if in the masjid use the liquid hand sanitizer on entry and exit of the masjid.
- Spend at least 20 seconds washing the front and back of your hands and in-between your fingers frequently.
- Avoid touching your face as much as you can.
- Try to boost your immune system with regular exercise and vitamin C containing foods – especially citrus fruits.
- Stay 6 feet away from each other as the virus depends on person to person transmission. Avoid people who are coughing or sneezing
- If you are not well – get rest – at least 8 hours of sleep and stay well hydrated. Take Tylenol for fever but if it persists call your doctor. If you get short of breath call your doctor.
- If you are sick wear a facemask but if you are not – it does not help.
*****We will for the time being cancel all non essential programs including the potluck event on Saturday and from now until further notice.
*****Sunday School will also be suspended with immediate effect. There will be NO SUNDAY school this Sunday and beyond until further notice. This has been decided by the administration of the school.
*****Arabic classes on Sunday afternoon will also be suspended for now.
*****Beginning on Friday 3/13/20 there will also be no Monday and Thursday Qur’an class in the masjid as well.
*****Arabic classes on Sunday in the masjid will also be suspended for now.
Although the masjid will remain open for daily prayers we are urging people to be cautious and not expose yourselves to unnecessary risk.
May Allah protect us all! Please make lots of dua and give in charity as a protection for your selves and your family and the community at large. Remember that once we take adequate precautions we trust in Allah (SWT) to protect us and He is the best to protect.
As things are changing rapidly please look out for further notices about changes. If there is a significant outbreak in the State we may have to take more drastic action.
May Allah reward you all!
The IAGH board will meet on a weekly basis to consider the risk to the community in making our decisions. We want you to be safe and aware of the difficult decisions ahead and understand that we are doing everything for the benefit of the community and in keeping with the Quranic and prophetic guidelines.
IAGH board
For more information visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IAGHBERLIN and enjoy the pictures of our recent events (Don’t forget to like us on facebook) and visit our website at https://www.berlinmosque.org/