Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice

As-salamu alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Please read the following notice from the Boston Islamic Center: 

By now, you may be aware that on Tuesday Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency due to the ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus Disease.  

Health officials announced this week that there are 51 new cases, bringing the state’s total of positive tests to 92. Of those cases, 70 were connected to a Biogen employee conference at the Marriott Long Wharf in Boston at the end of February. 

At the Boston Islamic Center, our core responsibility is to ensure the physical, mental and emotional, and spiritual safety of our community. As such, we have been, and continue to, closely monitor the situation. Given the number of positive cases in our city, the risk level remains relatively low in our area. That said, we will keep monitoring the situation closely. We have been following and will continue to follow the guidelines set in place by the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) and the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Generally, taking the necessary precautions that help prevent against the common cold and the flu can help protect us against other respiratory viruses, such as Coronavirus. 

Current recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. 

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Staying home when you are sick. 

• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. 

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose; coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap if hands visibly dirty. 

Please find additional guidance for prevention on MASS.GOV and the CDC website: www.cdc.gov

Parents and members of the Boston Islamic Center we ask that you keep your kids or yourself home if you are sick. Additionally, if you have a reason to believe you or your child, or anyone you or child has been around, has been exposed to COVID-19 (or begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms), please reach out to us immediately as well as immediately reach out to the Massachusetts General Hotline: 617-724-7000. 

Lastly, we recognize that the impact of COVID-19 is not just physical. It is important to note that we as Muslims believe everything happens by the Will of Allah SWT. As we take necessary precautions based on the guidelines of the CDC and state health officials to prevent illness and the spread of disease, we must firmly believe that it is Allah SWT who can protect us and heal us. Let us strive to incorporate our daily adhkar which Prophet Muhammad pbuh taught us and can be found in the Husnul Muslim (Fortress of a Muslim). We know they are a protection from calamities and provide safety and security for the Believer. Let us also make dua for ourselves and the ummah at large.

May Allah swt protect us from any afflictions, preserve our health and well-being, and protect us from bodily and spiritual harm.

We appreciate your patience and support as we make changes and continually adjust to the rapidly evolving situation. May Allah SWT grant us success.