ICGC Re-Opening Plans Phase I
Assalamu Alaykum Dear ICGC Community,
We pray that everyone had a blessed Ramadan and Eid! May Allah subhaanahu wa t'ala grant us the favor to witness Ramadan again and protect our community!
As you may be aware, various states have eased some restrictions on closures of gatherings. However, it is also worth noting that, although some restrictions have been eased, healthcare professionals, the CDC, & govt. authorities continue to acknowledge the serious threat COVID-19 still presents to the health of individuals and the well-being of our society.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent transmission of, and mortality from, the disease, and there is no known early and effective treatment. As such, social distancing and restrictions on public gatherings remain the mainstay of prevention.
Nevertheless, the ICGC leadership acknowledges that our Center, especially the masjid, plays an important role in the lives of our community members. Therefore, after consultation with healthcare experts and thorough research on best practices by other houses of worship across the state & nationwide, the ICGC leadership have decided to adapt a multi-phased plan to re-open the masjid. Consequently, started Tuesday June 2nd, 2020
During Phase I, the masjid will be open for the five daily prayers ONLY. The following preventive practices will continue to be implemented and strictly enforced. Please note that ICGC may modify these measures to better protect our community if the need arises.
- Kids 10 years of age or under and those who cannot abide by these rules and regulations (irrespective of age) will NOT be allowed in the masjid.
- All attendees are required to wear a mask at all time while on the ICGC premises. Masks must be worn even during prayer.
- Individuals at high-risk of death should they get infected with COVID-19 (e.g. aged >65), and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cancer and immunocompromised condition should refrain from coming to the masjid at this stage.
- Those who are sick (have fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, etc.) will NOT be allowed in the masjid for everyone else's safety.
- All attendees must bring their own prayer mat to use in the Mussalla and take it with them whenever they leave (don't leave it in Masjid)
- All attendees must bring their own shoe bag (leak proof bag/ string bag) in which to keep their shoes, and shoes must be kept with them in the Mussalla
- All attendees are advised to make Wudu at home and avoid using the wudu areas of the masjid.
- Bathrooms will be available for emergencies only, and hands must be washed with soap after use.
- Attendees are advised to prayer sunnah at home, or, if praying in the masjid, to only pray on their own prayer mat.
During Phase 1, no Jumu'ah nor any funeral congregational prayers are held at ICGC. Communication regarding Phase 2 addressing Jumu'ah prayers will be sent out to the community in the next week or so.
Jazaakum Allaahu khairan!
