Community- and faith-based organizations, working together with many other organizations have an important role in helping slow the spread of COVID-19, especially among high-risk populations.
Recent local and state health orders give guidance to religious groups, particularly with approaching religious holidays, including Easter on April 12 and Passover April 8 to April 16. We recognize the health order restrictions are challenging as they limit what are traditionally large celebrations, and we wanted to offer this guidance as a means to help provide direction on how to hold a religious ceremony and still adhere to social distancing protocols and crowd-size restrictions. We know this is a difficult time, but we also greatly appreciate the efforts of so many in the community who have recognized the importance of complying with health orders as we work together to protect everyone in our community and ensure that these sacrifices will be worth it to protect the health and wellbeing of all.
- The Governor’s Statewide Stay-at Home Order (EO 20-16) remains in effect through April 19, and while conducting and attending religious services is an essential function, the Governor’s Office has provided guidance that churches may continue services if they comply with the following provisions:
Churches should use online, radio and other telecommunications tools wherever possible to conduct services or other church operations without congregating in-person.
If a church is unable to use online, radio or other telecommunications tools, a church conducting in-person services or operations must comply with the following requirements, which by this guidance are hereby determined not to significantly disrupt church services:
- Maintain a six-foot distance between individuals;
- Disinfect all doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces both before a service begins and again before the service ends; and
- Refrain from passing offering plates, communion trays or other implements that may be repeatedly touched.
Other suggestions
Livestream small group and parish meetings.
- Whether it’s a virtual book club, Bible study, prayer group or small group, empower attendees to coordinate with others who are involved in ministry groups or share various interests to meet weekly for a video call.
Continue recurring parish meetings through a conference call or video.
- Even if events are canceled, personal and spiritual check-ins can continue.
We are grateful for all community- and faith-based organizations who have worked to follow these directives and found creative ways to still connect and serve their members during these challenging times. We would also ask all community members, even as they are accustomed to celebrating these holidays, to continue following the spirit of the order and to stay home except for essential needs and functions.