Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah
Lately, we have seen a drop in the Arizona and Yuma county Covid-19 cases and many Islamic centers in Arizona have started reopening. All centers implemented measures geared towards creating a safe environment for worshipers, including online registration and other rules for all members to follow. However, despite a definite trend of decrease in cases, there seems to be a resurgence with a slight increase in cases.
These developments prompted the board of the Islamic Center of Yuma to consider the reopening and issues related to our community members' safety while performing prayers at the center. Taking into consideration all relevant issues, the board decided to reopen in phases. The first phase will be a trial starting Monday 8/17/2020. During this time, only Fajr and Ishaa prayers will be performed, with the precautions that we have all become familiar with during the Pandemic. A list of rules is attached to help make this transition as safe and smooth as possible. Friday Jumaa prayer will not start at this time. The board will reevaluate our readiness for it on a weekly basis.
The board of the ICY would like to remind our beloved community members that anyone who has health concerns about attending prayers should know that there is ample evidence that they are excused from attending, including Jumaa prayer when it starts.
The following rules must be strictly followed and enforced:
1- If you have fever of any level or symptoms of cold (no matter how mild), you must not enter the building of ICY.
2- Elderly brothers and sisters and those with chronic illness are advised not to attend.
3- The main door is the only door available to enter or exit the building. Use of other doors is prohibited.
4-.Everyone must bring his or her own prayer rug.
5- Everyone who walks into the ICY building must be wearing a mask or face covering that covers both mouth and nose.
6- Hand sanitizer will be available. Everyone must use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.
7- No children are allowed.
8- Bathrooms are closed. Please perform Wodu before coming to ICY.
9- Pray only on areas marked by green tape to maintain physical distancing. The tape marks the area where your feet should be.
10- As soon as compulsory prayer ends, everyone must leave immediately. Duaa and sunnah prayer must be performed at home, not at ICY. This is essential to minimize the period of gathering and therefore minimize the chance of exposure to infection.
11- Absolutely no socialization inside the building after prayer.
12- Absolutely no eating or drinking in the building.
13- The kitchen area is closed and will not be accessible under any circumstances.
14- Because it is not feasible to sanitize the carpeted prayer hall following each prayer, prayer hall will be closed. Prayer will be performed in the hallway and multipurpose halls. The eastern section of the multipurpose hall will be designated as men's prayer area. The western section of the multipurpose hall will be designated as women's prayer area.
May Allah (SWT) reward all of you for adhering to these safety rules and bring back health and prosperity to our community and Muslim Ummah.
Jazakum Allah Khayr