Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb began his afternoon press conference held on Thursday, April 9, 2020, by issuing guidance for places of worship wishing to host drive-in Easter services.
During the question and answer portion of the press conference the Governor was asked by Dan Klein of WISH-TV, “Are you prepared to have police break up church services which are not following your guidelines either inside a building or in a parking lot or field or other place?”
Governor Holcomb replied, “I hope not. This is about worship. We can follow the rules and I expect folks who are coming to receive the word will do just that.”
Guidances for Places of Worship
• To stop the spread of coronavirus, we encourage church buildings and other physical locations for worship to be closed
• Live stream 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 service 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
• 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 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
CDC guidance for the faith community
https://www.cdc.gov/
The full press conference can be viewed on the Governor’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/
