(KMJ) – The California Department of Public Health and Governor Gavin Newsom’s office release new guidelines to allow places of worship to reopen with limited capacity and social distancing.
Places that are considered worship must limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.
This will remain in effect for the first 21 days of a county public health department’s approval of religious services and cultural ceremonies activities at places of worship within their jurisdictions. After 21 days places can work with their health department to reassess.
Among several suggestions, churches should consider holding in-person meetings and providing in-person services outside whenever possible. Places of worship are also encouraged to continue to provide services through alternative methods like streaming on the internet.
Staff is recommended to screen people for temperature before allowing them into the building and they should be reminded to use hand sanitizer and to wear face coverings.
Places of worship must take reasonable measures, including posting signage in strategic and highly-visible locations, to remind congregants/visitors that they should use face coverings and practice physical distancing whenever possible.
