Vancouver places of worship not driving COVID-19 infections

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — With hundreds of cases of COVID-19 reported daily in B.C., faith leaders are waiting to see if new restrictions could be introduced even though places of worship don’t appear to be driving many of the new infections.

Yahya Momla, an Imam in Burnaby, says he hasn’t seen any outbreaks since the mask mandate ended last month.

“At least within the BC Muslim Association, I am not aware of any exposures that have occurred at any of our mosques,” he says.

Since July 1 (no mask mandate), @VCHhealthcare has identified two potential exposures to COVID-19 in places of worship. pic.twitter.com/tYOtmC1bMO

— Tim James (@TimJamesPlus) August 21, 2021

Speaking to NEWS 1130, Vancouver Coastal Health says it has had only two exposures at places of worship since the mask mandate ended on July 1.

While Momla’s services are back to 100 per cent capacity, he says the trend in rising COVID-19 cases is worrisome.

“We are asking people to stay safe. We hope that we’re able to maintain our current levels of attendance, without any further restrictions,” he says.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver says it has also not had any exposures since the beginning of July.

“So far, everything has been really good with reopening,” Krista Greig says.

If #COVID19 cases rise, could restrictions (ie. mask, capacity) return to worship?@JewishVancouver, @thebcma1, and @ArchVancouver haven't heard any indication. Although, @JewishVancouver has maintained mask mandate and capacity limit. pic.twitter.com/cE7gNkPu2S

— Tim James (@TimJamesPlus) August 21, 2021

Greig says that while there has been no indication the province will introduce new rules, the Archdiocese will continue to follow public health orders as they come.

“All parishes are receiving the communication from the archbishop to continue to encourage wearing masks in indoor spaces,” she says.

Ezra Shanken with the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver says he hasn’t seen any exposures, but synagogues have chosen to keep some rules.

“We’re doing what we can to retain that opportunity to pray together,” he says.

Shanken says synagogues decided to keep some rules for prayer, including limiting capacity to 50 per cent.

“We’re trying to do what we can to try to mitigate the risk as we watch what’s happening,” he says.