P.E.I mosque requiring proof of vaccination

Prince Edward Island's main mosque, Masjid Dar as-Salam, is requiring all worshippers to present proof of double vaccination to gain entry to prayer services.

While places of worship are exempt from the province’s Vax Pass policy that requires Islanders to be vaccinated to gain entry to facilities, the Charlottetown mosque decided to go above what is required of them.

"We have asked that everybody should be double vaccinated, so we can minimize the contact and spread of COVID-19," Muslim Society of P.E.I. President Dr. Najam Chishti told CBC News.

"It's for the safety of everybody, and people have been receptive. They've all abided by this. And those who do not want to come to the mosque, they still are praying from home ... Yes, it's your choice. But stay home."

While there have not been any outbreaks from religious gatherings on P.E.I, some other provinces, including New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, are looking at vaccination rules for places of worship following some recent outbreaks.

P.E.I.'s Vax Pass policy came into effect on Tuesday, Oct. 5, for some businesses, services and events and residents are required to have their proof of two vaccinations on hand — either a paper copy, or a screenshot on a mobile device and adults will also need to show photo identification. Children under 12 are exempt because they are currently not eligible to be vaccinated.

In addition to proof of double Vaccination, Masjid Dar as-Salam has a list of rules in place for prayer services, including masking, physical distancing and worshippers are required to bring their own prayer rug and to perform ablution at home.

“Once the prayer is completed, people must leave the mosque one person at a time. No individual will be allowed to remain in the mosque. The mosque will then be closed and sanitized until the next prayer,” states the mosque guidelines. ”No gatherings will be allowed on mosque property after prayer. People must leave the property right after prayer.”