As part of the reopening, protocols have been developed for all areas of Jamatkhana operations and practices that are anchored in the principles of physical distancing, personal hygiene, and personal responsibility— keeping in mind our utmost priority of ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of the Jamat.
Planning your Jamatkhana Journey
List of reopening Jamatkhana
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All Jamatjhanas will reopen at 1st October 2021
Also, all in-person RE and ECD centers across the country (including those located at reopened Jamatkhanas) will continue to remain closed until further notice, while virtual RE and ECD will continue.
Jamatkhana operations will be conducted using the following framework:
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Physical Distancing
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Personal Hygiene
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Personal Responsibility
The ability for Jamatkhanas to open and remain open is dependent on every Jamati member’s cooperation and compliance with Government and Public Health and Safety guidelines.
Volunteers have been specially trained on new health and safety protocols, and the Jamat is humbly requested to extend their cooperation.
- All Jamati members will be required to wear a face mask to enter the Jamatkhana premises, and at all times while inside the Jamatkhana building including the Prayer Hall and parking area.
- Jamati members are requested to bring a face mask from home.
- The face mask should be a disposable face mask or a well-fitted tightly woven fabric (linen or cotton) mask made of at least 2 layers that covers your nose and mouth.
Temperature Screening & Registration
- A contactless health check will be performed on every Jamati member prior to entering the main entrance of Jamatkhana each day.
- Temperature Check: Volunteers will conduct a temperature check through a contactless digital thermometer. Anyone with a temperature equal to or greater 37.5 Cº will be asked to return home together with all members that arrived in the same vehicle.
- Registration: Name, contact, temperature and date
- Physical distancing of at least 1.5 meter should be maintained at all times between all murids (the only exception is for those living within the same household).
- Jamatkhana setup, layout, and operations will be modified to accommodate a contactless experience and flow throughout the facility.
- Informative signage and markings will be placed throughout the Jamatkhana facility to assist with physical distancing, seating, and flow.
- The Jamat is requested to not wait for family members inside common spaces and are advised to consider a meeting spot near their vehicle.
- No programmatic or social engagements will be held before or after Jamatkhana.
The Jamat is requested to leave the Jamatkhana facility upon completion of ceremonies as socializing is prohibited. There is no place or space for socializing. The Jamat is requested not to gather either before or after ceremonies.
Hand Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer will be available at all entrances and key areas, and the Jamat will be asked to practice good hand hygiene.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Volunteers will regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces and common areas.
Planning your Jamatkhana Journey
This section provides important information, guidelines and procedures to attend Jamatkhana. Please follow ALL guidelines listed below and directions given by volunteers.
Special Notes:
- Jamati members under the age of 18 years and 60 years and over are not permitted to attend Jamatkhana until further notice.
Family Preparation for Re-opening
- Carefully consider if you or a family member have any underlying medical conditions in your household when making a decision on whether to attend.
Before Leaving Home
- Review Health & Wellness Entry Protocol questions:
- Have you had a fever, flu or cough within past 14 days?
- Within the past 14 days, have been in contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms?
- If the answer the above is yes, we advise the Jamat to stay home.
- It is a good practice to take your temperature before leaving home, and if above above 37.5C º, please stay home.
- Please bring your own mask.
- Please bring your own tasbih.
- Avoid bringing unnecessary personal items (bags, backpacks, etc.).
- Give yourselves sufficient time to arrive and to go through the Temperature Screening & Registration procedure.
- Follow the directions of volunteers.
- Remain in your vehicle until those around your vehicle have cleared and you are able to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters while exiting your vehicle. Wear a face mask before leaving the vehicle.
- Avoid socializing and interacting with other Jamati members in the parking are as it is prohibited.
- Drop-off will be available only for those with limited mobility.
- Leave non-essential items in the car.
Main Entrance to Jamatkhana
- Maintain 1.5 meter physical distancing while awaiting your turn for screening and registration.
- Be prepared for the 4-Step screening process:
- Face Mask Check.
- Temperature Check.
- Registration.
- Hand Hygiene.
- We humbly seek the Jamat’s patience, understanding, and cooperation with the volunteers during this process.
Inside Jamatkhana
- Use hand sanitizer placed outside the shoe area before entering the Prayer Hall.
- Sit on a designated marked spot and follow the signage and markings.
- Once a Jamati member is seated inside the prayer hall, they should remain there and refrain from moving to another spot.
- Markings on the floor and volunteer's instructions will help guide the Jamat on flow and seating.
- It is mandatory to wear mask at all times.
- The Jamat should not wear gloves
- Water stations or water fountains will not be operational.
- Please do not socialize or congregate inside the Jamatkhana building or parking area and please follow the volunteer's directions in exiting the Jamatkhana building as soon as Jamati ceremonies conclude.
- Families are asked to meet at their vehicle always keeping a minimum distance of 1.5 meter.
- Jamati members waiting for pick-up are asked to maintain 1.5 meter physical distance.
Volunteers
Key Principles
- Physical Distancing
- Personal Hygiene
- Personal Responsibility
- Prompt the Jamat
- Politeness in attitude
Who can volunteer?
- Duties will not be assigned for those under the age of 18, over the age of 59, and expecting mothers.
- Volunteers should arrive for duty only if they are assigned duty for that day.
- Any volunteer who does not feel comfortable giving duty should not feel obligated to do so.
- Your Jamatkhana Lead will contact you and inform you about your duty schedule.
Volunteer Training
- Your local volunteer leadership will conduct a training overview for all volunteers on modified operational procedures and protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wear a face mask?
- Yes. All Jamati members will be required to wear a face mask to enter the Jamatkhana premises, and at all times while inside the Jamatkhana building (including Prayer Hall) and parking area.
Can I come to Jamatkhana if I am not feeling well?
- Please avoid coming to Jamatkhana if you currently have any of the following symptoms: fever, runny nose/congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, chills, nausea/vomiting, tiredness, muscle pain/body aches, headache, or loss of smell or taste.
Do we have to maintain physical distancing?
- Yes, we all have to maintain 1,5 meter between all individuals at all times.
Will there be organized events before or after Jamatkhana?
- No programmatic or social engagements will be held before or after Jamatkhana. The Jamat is kindly requested to promptly leave the Jamatkhana facility upon completion of ceremonies and to not socialize or mingle within the building or in the parking area.
What if I feel sick after I have attended Jamatkhana?
- If you or a loved one experience symptoms of COVID-19, we request that you promptly consult your primary physician and inform the Health Member in your region.
Do I need to register to attend Jamatkhana?
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Please contact your local Jamatkhana leadership for more information.
Will there be temperature checks?
- Yes. Anyone with a temperature equal to or over 37.5C will be asked to return home.
Will there be water available?
- No water stations or water fountains will be in use.
Can I bring my Nandi bags back to Jamatkhana?
- Please do not bring/return any reusable Nandi bags or plates/dishes/bottles at this time.
When should I arrive at Jamatkhana?
- Give yourselves sufficient time to complete the registration, and temperature check at the Jamatkhana entrance.
- As a Health & Safety precaution there will be no Jamati bus service available. Jamati members are encouraged to kindly arrange personal transportation.
RISK NOTIFICATION
We would like to remind the Jamat that there are risks related to COVID-19 transmission when attending communal spaces, even when following Public Health guidelines. These risks cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to reduce them and include: coming into contact with individuals or objects that maybe be carrying COVID-19; transmitting or contracting COVID-19; and resulting loss, injuries and complications that can range in severity. Members of vulnerable groups due to age, medical or other factors, have higher risk of contracting and/or suffering illness from COVID-19. Everyone should understand and be aware of the risks they voluntarily assume for themselves, and for those in their household in attending communal spaces.
