California faith-based organizations given go-ahead to open places of worship

INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Leaders of churches, temples, synagogues and mosques are considering reopening their places of worship after state officials issued guidance Monday to allow religious services throughout California.

Services may begin immediately provided attendees are limited to 25 percent of normal room occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

That could limit attendance at so-called mega-churches, but allow for reopening others with smaller congregations.

Other guidelines issued by the state include:
• Conduct individual forehead temperature checks
• Strongly consider discontinuing singing or group recitations
• Implement social distancing measures
• Consider outside services
• Discourage sharing of items, handholding, touching or kissing of relics
• Disinfect common areas
• Consider disposable seat covers
• Install hand sanitizer dispensers
Church leaders are urged to continue online services and activities, especially for the protection of those who are most at risk from COVID-19, including older adults and people with specific medical conditions.
Other modifications and measures intended to keep employees, volunteers and congregants safe are available at www.rivcoccsd.org/covidbizhelp.

The State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the County Department of Public Health, will review and assess the impact of the religious services guidelines and provide further direction as part of a phased-in restoration of activities.

“An important part of getting through this together is keeping our faith strong. By taking these safety precautions, we can choose to practice our faith in person again and do so safely,” Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel said.