Alberta Health Services officials say they have received two overcrowding complaints about a massive northeast Calgary mosque – but when they investigated they found everything was going according to law..The Western Standard was sent a video of what appeared to be a packed parking lot at the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre. Current COVID-19 lockdown laws limit church occupancy to 15% of capacity..“AHS received two recent expressions of concerns from the public related to the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre and has followed up with inspections,” officials said in a statement provided to the Western Standard..“Good COVID-19 protocols are in place and no warnings or orders have been issued. As attendees are not carpooling and are coming in separate vehicles, and some days have back-to-back prayer services, the parking lot does appear full at times..“All places of worship in the province must comply with the mandatory public health measures currently in place.”.“We know that education and working collaboratively with businesses and organizations has been, and continues to be, very effective to ensure compliance,” said the AHS..“It is only when significant risk is identified or continued non-compliance is noted that AHS resorts to enforcement action.”.AHS was the subject of intense criticism when it raided and barricaded, with the help of RCMP, the GraceLife Church, in Stony Plain..The church’s pastor, James Coates, served five weeks in jail after repeatedly violating COVID-19 law by holding packed services..Meanwhile, Surrey RCMP is urging Vaisakhi celebrants and Kissan supporters to keep Public Health Orders in mind this weekend..“Unfortunately, large-scale Vaisakhi celebrations have been canceled again this year in Surrey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is anticipated that many community members will participate in small COVID-friendly celebrations. Surrey RCMP is also aware of Kissan rallies and a Sikh motorcycle event set to take place this weekend,” RCMP said in a press release..“Surrey RCMP is urging the public to abide by current Public Health Orders which have placed restrictions on outdoor gatherings and prohibit indoor gatherings. Outdoor social gatherings are permitted with up to 10 persons.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
Alberta Health Services officials say they have received two overcrowding complaints about a massive northeast Calgary mosque – but when they investigated they found everything was going according to law..The Western Standard was sent a video of what appeared to be a packed parking lot at the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre. Current COVID-19 lockdown laws limit church occupancy to 15% of capacity..“AHS received two recent expressions of concerns from the public related to the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre and has followed up with inspections,” officials said in a statement provided to the Western Standard..“Good COVID-19 protocols are in place and no warnings or orders have been issued. As attendees are not carpooling and are coming in separate vehicles, and some days have back-to-back prayer services, the parking lot does appear full at times..“All places of worship in the province must comply with the mandatory public health measures currently in place.”.“We know that education and working collaboratively with businesses and organizations has been, and continues to be, very effective to ensure compliance,” said the AHS..“It is only when significant risk is identified or continued non-compliance is noted that AHS resorts to enforcement action.”.AHS was the subject of intense criticism when it raided and barricaded, with the help of RCMP, the GraceLife Church, in Stony Plain..The church’s pastor, James Coates, served five weeks in jail after repeatedly violating COVID-19 law by holding packed services..Meanwhile, Surrey RCMP is urging Vaisakhi celebrants and Kissan supporters to keep Public Health Orders in mind this weekend..“Unfortunately, large-scale Vaisakhi celebrations have been canceled again this year in Surrey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is anticipated that many community members will participate in small COVID-friendly celebrations. Surrey RCMP is also aware of Kissan rallies and a Sikh motorcycle event set to take place this weekend,” RCMP said in a press release..“Surrey RCMP is urging the public to abide by current Public Health Orders which have placed restrictions on outdoor gatherings and prohibit indoor gatherings. Outdoor social gatherings are permitted with up to 10 persons.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
