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COVID-19 Test Kits Available Soon

Health & Wellness | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Thursday, February 24, 2022

BC Public Health is distributing free rapid antigen testing kits to all BC residents through local pharmacies. Test kits will be made available to those aged 70 and older first, with eligibility increasing over time.

Please visit the Rapid antigen testing kits site to find out more about obtaining free test kits, and how to use them.

If you need help or have any questions, please contact the confidential Access line or your health authority for guidance.

Updates for BC Jamatkhanas

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, February 16, 2022

In light of recently modified COVID-19 public health measures announced by the Government of BC, the following changes will be in effect from Friday, February 18:

  • Capacity will increase at all BC Jamatkhanas.
  • Confirmed spots from the Jamatkhana registration system will NOT be required to attend Jamatkhana, on any day.
  • Capacity will be increased for weddings, funerals and other rites of passage.

The following protocols will continue to be in effect:

  • Proof of Vaccination and government-issued ID will be required daily for evening Jamatkhana ceremonies and for attending weddings, funerals and other rites of passage ceremonies.
  • Disposable 3-layer masks OR medical-grade masks such as K95s or N95s must be worn inside Jamatkhana spaces.

Eligible members of the Jamat are strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 vaccine booster dose as soon as possible. Please reach out to the Access Line if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Get Your COVID-19 Booster Dose

Health & Wellness | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Everyone 12 years and older will be invited to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after they received their second dose of the vaccine.

A booster dose is an additional shot of vaccine that helps you maintain and lengthen your protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19. When you get a booster dose, you're helping protect you and the people around you from COVID-19.

Find more information about available vaccines, why the booster shot is important, as well as appointment booking information at the BC Government COVID-19 Vaccine Information page.

If you need help booking your appointment or have any questions, please contact the confidential Access line, Aga Khan Health Board or heath authorities for guidance.

Registration Required to Attend Jamatkhana on February 1

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Registration is required to attend evening Jamatkhana ceremonies on Tuesday, February 1, as this is a peak attendance day.

Please use the Jamatkhana Registration site if you wish to attend Jamatkhana on this day. If you are already registered with the Jamatkhana registration site, you do not need to specify preferences - the registration system will inform you if you have been allocated a spot.

You may also use the 'Waitlist' and 'Jamatkhanas with Availability' features to attend Jamatkhana. You can place your name on the Waitlist on January 31 starting at 2pm. The 'Jamatkhanas with Availability' function will be active February 1 from 2pm onwards.

If you have been allocated a spot but your availability or circumstances change, please consider declining to allow space for others to attend.

The following protocols are still in effect:

  • Masks are required inside Jamatkhana spaces - please see updated mask requirements.
  • Proof of vaccination along with government-issued photo ID are required.
  • Please continue to sanitize regularly.
  • Avoid socializing inside Jamatkhana spaces.
  • Maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from those not from your household.

Please check for regular updates through the digital Al-Akhbar newsletter, the iiCanada App, and The Ismaili BC Facebook and Instagram pages. Please use these official sources for communication, and refrain from circulating messages from private sources on WhatsApp or other media.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Availability

Health & Wellness | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Monday, January 17, 2022

BC Public Health has begun sending invitations to people aged 18 and older to book their COVID-19 booster shots. Eligibility begins six months after receiving your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Find more information about available vaccines, why the booster shot is important, as well as appointment booking information at the BC Government COVID-19 Vaccine Information page.

If you need help booking your appointment or have any questions, please contact the confidential Access line, Aga Khan Health Board or heath authorities for guidance.

Tips and Resources for Your Well-Being

Health & Wellness | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Thank you to all those who attended the Jamati virtual townhall this month. Please refer to the resources below on learning how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic.

Staying Safe and Healthy: BC Information and Resources

With so much happening and so much uncertainty in daily life, it’s normal to feel worried and overwhelmed. These feelings should not consume you. It’s important to look after your mental health and well-being during COVID-19. Below is a link with tips and resources to help you and your loved ones.

Mental Well-Being During COVID-19

Don’t wait to reach out - for any questions or supported needed, call the confidental Access line or contact any Jamati or Institutional leader.

Morning Jamatkhana Closure - January 6

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, January 5, 2022

The Jamat is advised that morning ceremonies for all BC Jamatkhanas will not be taking place on Thursday, January 6 due to extreme weather conditions and the anticipated snowstorm.

The Jamat is urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid all non-essential travel.

Winter Storm Warning

Health & Wellness | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley forecasting heavy snow and the possibility of freezing rain in the region.

Beginning the evening of Wednesday, January 5 through to Thursday, January 6, expect 10 to 20cm of snowfall. Snowfall may reach 30cm further inland.

Prepare for the storm by reviewing these tips from the Canadian Red Cross: Winter Storms: Before, During & After.

The Jamat is advised to follow the latest weather alerts and to monitor road conditions before travelling.

BC Jamati Town Hall

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Date:
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Time:
10am PT

A British Columbia Virtual Town Hall session to share important Jamatkhana and health and safety updates will be held on Sunday, January 9 at 10am.

Join online via Zoom, or dial in using the meeting details below.

  • Dial-in number: 778-907-2071
  • Meeting ID: 786 786 1111
  • Password: 1

Winter Weather Alert

Health & Wellness | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Environment Canada has issued a weather warning predicting periods of heavy snow, freezing rain & colder than normal temperatures in parts of BC between now and New Year's Day.

The Jamat is advised to follow the latest weather alerts and to monitor road conditions before travelling.

Proof of Vaccination Requirement for Jamatkhanas

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, December 22, 2021

UPDATED: In response to new provincial health guidelines, starting the evening of Thursday, December 23, the following clarified and updated processes will be in place for attendance at morning and evening ceremonies in all BC Jamatkhanas:

For Evening Ceremonies

  • Proof of Vaccination (BC Vaccine Card) and government-issued photo ID will be required to enter Jamatkhana on ALL days.
  • Volunteers will scan the QR code on the card to verify the name matches your photo ID in accordance with the public health order.

For Morning Ceremonies

  • Proof of Vaccination and government-issued photo ID will NOT be required for any BC Jamatkhana.

BC Vaccine Card

Please bring either the BC Vaccine Card downloaded on your mobile phone or tablet, or a paper copy as shown in the examples below.

Print-outs of the downloaded card are accepted. Wallet-sized cards given to you at the time of vaccination will not be accepted.

For those who are unable to provide proof of vaccination or government-issued ID, separate designated spaces will be available at Richmond, Darkhana and Headquarters Jamatkhanas.

Children age 5 to 11 will not be required to show proof of vaccination. Youth aged 12 to 18 will not be required to show valid government ID. Where a parent/guardian does not have proof of vaccination or government-issued ID, children may join their parent/guardian in one of the above designated spaces.

International visitors must show the proof of vaccination they used to enter Canada and their passport.

Masks will continue to be required inside Jamatkhana spaces and regular hand sanitizing is encouraged.

We will continue to closely monitor and adhere to all government and public health guidelines as they evolve.

We thank all our volunteers for their support as we implement the proof of vaccination system, and extend gratitude to all Jamati members for their understanding.

Jamati members who would like information about getting their vaccines or who would like help can call the ACCESS line at 1-888-536-3599, reach out to Mukhi Kamadia/Mukhiani Kamadiani, or contact their local Aga Khan Health Board members.

Updates to BC Jamatkhana Capacity

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Thursday, December 16, 2021

In light of recent COVID-19 trends related to the Omicron variant, as a precautionary measure, Jamatkhana capacity will be reduced in all BC Jamatkhanas as of evening ceremonies Friday, December 17.

In addition, effective Friday, December 17, proof of vaccination and government-issued Photo ID will be required every evening, for all BC Jamatkhanas.

At this time, confirmed spots through the Jamatkhana Registration system will NOT be required to attend Jamatkhana. Jamati members may continue to attend Jamatkhana on a first-come, first-served basis, until Jamatkhana capacity is reached.

For morning ceremonies, proof of vaccination and government-issued photo ID will NOT be required.

We urge all members of the Jamat to strictly follow all local health and safety guidelines.

In addition, we encourage all Jamati members to access their COVID vaccine booster dose as soon as they are eligible to do so. For more information or assistance in getting a booster shot, please contact the ACCESS line at +1 (888) 536-3599.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Video: Salgirah Mubarak from the Council for BC

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Published Date:
Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The Council for BC and the Jamati Institutional Leadership wish the Jamat and multi-faith family members a heartfelt Salgirah Mubarak!

Voices of Shukrana

Faith & Traditions | Council for British Columbia
Region:
British Columbia
Date:
Friday, December 10, 2021
Time:
After Jamati Ceremonies
Location:

Participate in Voices of Shukrana, a devotional recitation program of diverse traditions, to celebrate our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam's 85th birthday.

Attend in any Jamatkhana on Friday, December 10 after Jamati ceremonies. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed including masking, social distancing, and hand hygiene.

Proof of vaccination and government- issued ID will be required.