Coronavirus: Ontario places of worship reopen with safety measures

Many places of worship across Ontario are reopening for the first time in months as some restrictions are lifted from the COVID-19 lockdown.

Many places of worship across Ontario are reopening for the first time in months as some restrictions are lifted from the COVID-19 lockdown.

At the Muslim Association of Canada mosque in downtown Toronto, questions to visitors about travel history and mandatory pre-booking were just some of the new safety measures being taken as it opened its doors on Friday.

Mahmoud Horani, who spoke with Global News after he finished prayers, said it was important for him to return to the mosque in person as soon as he could.

“Whether you are going to a church or a mosque — if you are worshipping God — and suddenly you are not able to perform your prayers, you feel there is something missing,” he said.

Also on his way out, Farasat Malik said, “The Friday prayer, you cannot pray at home because there is a khutbah which is only given at the mosque.”

The mosque asks congregants to bring a mask and their own prayer mat. Hand sanitizer is available throughout.

Places of worship were forced to close in March as part of government efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This week, the province announced services could resume beginning Friday with building capacity limited to 30 per cent.