Christian and Muslim groups across the GTA are taking the unprecedented step of cancelling weekly services, while other faith groups are curtailing them to reduce the possibility of infection from COVID-19.

Late Friday afternoon, the Archdiocese of Toronto said it was cancelling all weekend masses, after Ontario’s chief medical officer urged all public gatherings be limited to a maximum of 250 people.

“Our primary concern is the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the faithful and all those who serve at our parishes, recognizing that we have a duty to care for the community at large and the most vulnerable among us,” said Cardinal Thomas Collins in a statement.

Earlier in the week, the church said it was discouraging reception of Holy Communion on the tongue, and asking the faithful to receive it only in the hand.

The Catholic edict is supposed to effect 200 parishes.

Late Thursday, the Canadian council of Imams and Muslim Medical Association of Canada sent out a joint release “strongly recommending masjids to suspend” congregational Friday prayers at their centres, some of which have more than a thousand attendees.

A number of large mosques, such as Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT) and Islamic Society of North America Canada have taken this step. Those that remain open have instructed their congregants to shorten their prayers, bring prayer mats with them and do ritual ablutions at home.

“The bottom line is that preservation of life is one of the most important principles of Islam, and if we see that it is at risk, then I think we need to do whatever we can in our power to ensure that we don’t put that life at risk,” said Fareed Amin, the chairman with the board of directors with IIT, located in Scarborough.

“This is unprecedented within modern history in Canada … but this is not unprecedented in the history of Islam,” said Amin, who added that around 1,500 people come to Friday prayers at IIT every week. “Our community is very diverse, a community that travels a lot and a community that comes from different parts of the world, and we also have a lot of elderly in the community.”

IIT was not only shut for both Friday prayers, but has also cancelled the five daily congregational prayers, classes, programs, and the onsite elementary school until April 6. “We have to show leadership … and at a community level, we have an obligation to protect our congregation.”

But some religious groups are trying to stay open to give congregants a place to find spiritual comfort during a time of heightened anxiety, but requiring congregants to adhere to strict measures such as social distancing and limiting contact with others.

Rev. Cheri DiNovo, a minister at Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts said they would be cancelling all services after this Sunday and moving it to online only until early April.

“This is simply what all faith groups should do right now. All faith groups share that we should love each other and love the world,” said DiNovo. “And I think to be loving of this world is to keep everyone safe.”

Rabbi Yossi Sapirman with the Beth Torah Congregation in North York said that while Saturday Shabbat services will continue, those who wish to stay home will be able to participate through livestreaming.

Sapirman said they have asked those with scheduled “life cycle” events like weddings, shivas and Bat Mitzvahs to either consider moving them, or limiting the size of gatherings.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto has also been in communication with more than 100 Jewish organizations in the city to share information and best practices.

In its most recent memo, Adam Minsky, the president and CEO of the UJA suggested synagogues implement measures such as not kissing the Torah, holy books and artifacts, asking congregants to keep an empty seat between one another, and no serving of food.

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The Hindu Temple in Richmond Hill said it has also taken measures for the first time in its 30-year history to ensure its devotees are safe. Kidambi Raj, a senior member, said the rituals have been adjusted to limit physical contact between devotees and priests.

“The prayers are modified with less direct contact with the worshippers by the priests. Offering of flowers, lighting of lamps and personal contacts are minimized,” said Raj.

In addition, older people are encouraged to stay home until the crisis is over, and extra care is taken to sanitize the temple and minimize crowds.