Guidelines for In-Person Satsangs

The MA Center Board has announced that Satsangs may now resume provided that they follow the guidelines and precautions below.

We must all remember that the health and safety of all who wish to attend Satsang should remain uppermost in our minds and hearts.

The following protocols were prepared in consultation with medical professionals, along with an examination of current local guidelines. Satsangs may require stronger guidelines at their discretion in addition to adhering to country and local guidelines.

  1. Attendees should be frequently reminded that if they feel at all sick, have a fever, or have been exposed to anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, they should not attend.
  2. Everyone must wear their mask at all times. Masks need to be properly fitted over the nose and mouth, N/KN 95 or double masking is recommended[i].  Singers and musicians do not have to wear masks during bhajans (singing) but must wear masks at all other times.
  3. Everyone must maintain social distancing, 6 ft (2 m) apart except members of the same household. Singers and musicians should be placed separately from the other attendees and face away from the audience.[ii]
  4. Arati prasad should be individually wrapped and offered at the altar.[iii]
  5. No group meals to be eaten together. If a prasad meal is offered, it will be given in a sealed container for attendees to take home. The meal must be prepared/catered in accordance with current health department guidelines, i.e.cooks wearing masks and gloves.

Om Namah Shivaya

Swami Dayamritananda Puri
On behalf of the MA Center Board

Updates as of March 27:

[i] Although the Ontario Government has change to the Public Health Measures, such that masking indoors is no longer mandatory, when attending the in-person Satsang, you MUST be masked to ensure our collective health and well being. For more information, see Halton Hills COVID Updates

[ii] As social distancing is lifted by the Province of Ontario, the venue will be at 100% capacity and seating will be less than 6 ft (2 m apart). For more information, see Ontario Reopening Plan

[iii] Arrangements have been made for Prasad preparation: After satsang, a packed snack in a sealed container will be distributed to all. Kindly be reminded that eating is not allowed indoors after the satsang.  As such, we ask that you take the snack home to eat. Kindly DO NOT bring any home cooked food or prasad for offering at the altar. If you feel the need to offer something, you can bring flowers or fruits to be placed at the altar.  Please bring your own trays/bowls for the fruit and vase for the flowers. You can also give a donation via cash or cheque. Donation boxes have been set up in the hall and kitchen.