To reopen, clergy urged to use social distancing
As congregations decide when to gather, officials preach caution
Houses of worship can safely reopen if they can keep their congregations separated by at least six feet, and also limit or eliminate touching shared objects like chalices or pews, a health official said Thursday.
“If we work to observe social distancing, if the places are disinfected, if we’re masked … some activity could resume if that’s the wish of the denominations,” said Dr. Raul Pino, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.
Mayor Jerry Demings said at least 280 faith leaders had signed into his virtual town hall, discussing how religious institutions could safely open their doors, after most were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Executive orders by Gov. Ron
DeSantis, and a prior local one issued by Demings, didn’t mandate the closure of religious buildings.
The mayor shared seven general guidelines crafted by his economic recovery task force that are suitable for all industries and recommended they be considered by the faith community. They include practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, frequent hand washing and having high