Stanislaus will resume indoor worship at some point. Here are possible COVID-19 rules
Faith leaders in Stanislaus County have drafted a plan for keeping people safe when indoor worship is once again allowed.
Three of them will discuss the plan in a Facebook Live forum to be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, by the county Office of Emergency Services.
The need to contain the coronavirus has meant no indoor services since mid-March. Drive-in services have been allowed since late April.
Health officials don’t want people to get sick while singing hymns, taking communion, passing collection plates or simply being too close together.
Input across faiths
There is no word yet on when indoor services might resume, but officials want to have a plan ready for when that happens. It would guide places of worship until the virus is at bay and normal operations are allowed.
The advice was developed with input from 14 faith leaders, representing Christian, Jewish and Islamic communities. It includes:
- Keep at least 6 feet from other worshipers
- Encourage face coverings
- Collect donations in a single place rather than passing a container
- Share communion bread and other ritual food and drink with care
Be aware that singing can be an especially potent means of spreading the virus
Avoid handshakes
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
Wash your hands and frequently touched surfaces well
- Stay home if you feel sick
“Faith centers need to make every effort to provide a safe environment,” the draft said. “As leaders, we want our congregants to feel safe during worship and to decrease their risk getting the virus.”
Special edition
The county OES has held Facebook Live forums each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to answer the public’s questions about various aspects of the pandemic.
Thursday’s extra edition will feature:
- Marvin Jacobo, executive director of City Ministry Network in Modesto
- Brett Avery, executive pastor at New Life Christian Center in Turlock
- Jim Applegate, lead pastor at Redeemer Church in Modesto
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 1:23 PM.
