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State officials give parking lot church services go-ahead
With Easter Sunday fast approaching, local faith leaders have new guidance from state officials in light of COVID-19.
“During this time of uncertainty, faith is more important than ever,” said Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. “I am deeply grateful to our religious leaders for their efforts to find safe and creative ways to serve their communities... I look forward to the day where we can once again worship side-by-side without the threat of spreading coronavirus.”
Holcomb reiterated that the purpose of the guidance was “not to restrict religious liberty, but to save lives during these extraordinary times.”
Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Kris Box issued guidance for places of worship Thursday.
Greene County Health Department Environmental Health Specialist and Administrator Shari Lewis was happy to receive the news, but with Good Friday taking place the next day and the time for Easter Services quickly approaching, she wishes the instruction would have come sooner. She had already informed local churches not to conduct parking lot services in accordance with previous state guidance.
These trying times, she said, are forcing many to compartmentalize their faith and the health.
“May God put a hedge of protection around us and bless are parking lot services,” Lewis wrote in a GCHD press release Thursday evening. “May faith, hope and love abide as we continue protecting each other through social distancing.”
With 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Greene County and the county’s first death as of Thursday, Lewis said it is important to stay in one’s car and stay safe while worshiping at these parking lot services.
Commissioner Box also recommends that worshippers bring their own juice and crackers from home for communion, go to the bathroom before they leave for service and to head straight home after service.
“Don’t expose the elderly or medically vulnerable individuals by hosting or attending a large family gathering or dinner (after service),” the guidelines state about the final point.
Other directions for faith leaders, in line with Executive Order 20-18 regarding public and private gatherings, include the following:
• Church buildings and other physical locations for worship should be closed.
• Livestream or other virtual services are best. The minimum number of necessary personnel should be used at all times for any services. Staff and volunteers who are not speaking should wear masks.
• Drive-in services may be conducted only under these conditions: Attendees must be inside vehicles at all times. Attendees should not interact physically with clergy, staff or participants in other vehicles. Vehicles should contain only members of a single household. Do not bring your neighbors or others outside of your household. Cars must be spaced the equivalent of every other parking spot or approximately 9 feet apart. No one may exit a vehicle at any time. Portable bathrooms are not allowed on the premises and no church facilities may be used by attendees. It is preferred that no communion be distributed. In instances when communion is distributed, only prepackaged communion may be used and must be prepared and distributed in a manner that meets food safety standards.
• The following individuals who are vulnerable and at a higher risk for illness should not attend: Persons who are 65 years and older. Those who have severe underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes. Individuals who are sick.
More guidance for the faith community can be found on the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
“Stay well and take care,” GCHD concluded.