Additional Capacity at BC Jamatkhanas

The Council for British Columbia is pleased to advise the Jamat that with the changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and evolving public health regulations, health and safety protocols in Jamatkhana were adjusted beginning the evening of Monday, July 5.

The following revised protocols are in effect:

• Jamatkhana capacity will be increased in all BC Jamatkhanas to allow for greater Jamati participation.
• Physical distancing will be reduced to 1 metre.
• Jamatkhana Social Halls at Darkhana, Richmond and Headquarters will no longer be used as separate facilities for Jamati seating allocation. Instead, these Social Halls will be used for seating overflow, just as they were prior to the pandemic. As a result, Jamati members will no longer receive separate seating allocations for the Prayer Hall or the Social Hall.
• Temperature checks for Jamati attendees will no longer be conducted prior to entry.
• Jamati members will be asked to self-screen for any COVID-related symptoms prior to attending Jamatkhana, and to avoid attending if showing any of these symptoms.

Based on careful consultation with public health officials and experts, the following guidelines will continue to be in place:

• Masking will continue to be required in Jamatkhana spaces.
• Regular hand sanitizing will continue to be encouraged.
• Confirmation of attendance through the Jamatkhana Registration System will still be a requirement in order to attend.
• Please continue to avoid socializing in Jamatkhana spaces and to maintain physical distance from those not from your household.

Further changes to Jamatkhana protocols, in addition to the above, will be implemented and communicated as the situation and public health regulations continue to evolve. In the meantime, please continue to exercise caution and to adhere to Jamatkhana protocols and government public health guidelines.

While we recognize the desire for a return to normalcy, let us ensure that we do so in ways that help protect the most vulnerable in the Jamat.

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

Thank you for your continued understanding and support. We look forward to seeing you soon.