The province continues to remain in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen. We are happy to share that by following the reopening timelines and changes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) for places of worship the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) will be reopening for drop in visits starting Saturday, September 25, 2021, with modified hours and some specific conditions. These conditions will continue ensuring all public health measures are followed including capacity limits, face coverings, physical distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfecting.
It has been a long time since we visited the Mehraban Guiv Darb e Meher (MGDM) and we all want to return to normal. While we're relieved with Canadians getting vaccinated, the fluctuating case counts, and the delta variant remains a big concern reminding us that the pandemic is not over. We remain cautious and will continue to be guided by our progress as a community and country.
Our approach to re-opening the MGDM will be "slow and steady" and "data driven, not date driven". This will be based on a number of factors:
- Vaccination rates, mandates and requirements
As we cautiously and gradually plan, the re-opening The MGDM revised hours of operations starting, September 25, 21 are once a week ONLY on Saturdays from 9am – Noon.
All visits to the MGDM will be by appointment only and MUST be booked in advance, a minimum 24 hours prior to the day of the visit, by contacting Hoofrish Patel (email EVP@zso.org or calling (647) 313–9805) and receiving her confirmation. Please note if you do not have an appointment/confirmation, your will be denied entry.
When planning a visit to the MGDM please be sure to follow the mandatory requirements and guidelines:
- Wearing a non-medical mask/face covering is mandatory
- For COVID-19 contact tracing purposes, you will be required to provide your name and contact details which will only be kept on file for 30 days.”
- Bring your own prayer book , head covering, Sukhar, loban or other prayer related items
- Maintain a social distance of two meters/six feet
- Follow entry and exit signs
- Avoid opportunities for the virus to spread through touch, either directly or indirectly through surfaces and objects, including objects that may be used in rituals or ceremonies
Suspended Services
- Social gatherings, including those that occur before or after a prayer service remains suspended
- Consumption of food and drink remains suspended
- Indoor singing, use of instruments and choir service
- Sharing and distribution of materials and objects such as books, scarves, caps, water, etc.
These past few months have been hard for all communities including ZSO in terms of revenue generation, we request everyone to donate generously by visiting our website (zso.org/donate).
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Cash Donations
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Cheque Donations
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Drop off in the ZSO safety deposit box.
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- DO NOT drop off any cheques in the safety deposit box
- Make Cheque payable to "Zoroastrian Society of Ontario"
- Complete the donation form and attach it with your cheque
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- Provide your email address if applicable to ensure timely and accurate issuance of donation receipts.
- Deliver the cheque and completed form together to our custodian or send it by mail
NOTE: Cheques made payable to "ZSO" are not acceptable by the bank and rejected.
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Lastly, we want to take this opportunity and remind everyone that vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19. Aligning with the Government’s announcement as of September 22, 2021, you will need to provide proof of vaccination to access MGDM as required helping further protect our community from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.
We thank you for your patience and appreciate your cooperation as we gradually and safely reopen, keeping the safety of our custodian and the community at large as the top priority. Stay tuned for more details to follow in the coming weeks related to reopening protocols for social and religious gatherings.
Disclaimers and resources:
- All visits to the MGDM are voluntary and at the visitor’s own discretion. Visitors must comply with applicable guidelines including limits on numbers, wearing of masks and physical distancing. All visitors are responsible for their own health & safety as well as respecting the health & safety of those around them.”
- Click here for more details on reopening of Faith Based Organizations in the City of Toronto
- Click here for more details on proof of vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act
