As Salaam Alaykum
With the impeding Corona Virus (COVID 19) outbreak, and after deliberation with our Medical Subcommittee, external Infectious disease physicians, and the Resident Aalim, the Management of Masjid-e-Ali (a) has come to decision to close down the center effective immediately, and not hold events for a period of two weeks after which we will re-evaluate the situation and provide updates to the community.
Jafaria School will also be closed during this period.
This decision has not been made lightly and is out of precaution in responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus that has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including in the United States.
In the event a case of COVID 19 is found amongst any member of our congregation, it will be extremely difficult to reopen a place of worship like Masjid-e-Ali (a) or any congregation hall.
We will, Insha Allah reschedule the Jashn of Imam Ali (a) as soon we are able to open Masjid-e-Ali (a).
We wish to give some advice and guidelines on the Coronavirus that is having an impact on many parts of everyday life. Our primary concern remains that you, your families and indeed the communities stay safe and healthy. The purpose of this communication is not to create fear or panic amongst our members but rather, to ensure we take appropriate preventative measures to minimize risks.
Travel advice
We, recommend that travellers returning from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau and Northern Italy (North of Pisa not including Pisa, Florence and Rimini), as well as Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq and Syria from 19 February, 2020 should avoid attending the mosques/imambarghas/Islamic centers and other functions (conferences, sporting events, majalises at peoples’ homes etc) for 14 days irrespective of symptoms following, business, personal or spiritual (ziyarat) travel.
Hygiene measures
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses. These include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based anti-bacterial hand rub or soap and water, this will kill the virus if it is on your hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
- Try to maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
- When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
- The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and request you to please continue to exercise precaution in your day to day activities.
Management
Masjid-e-Ali (a) / MFI