Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recommended Friday that churches choosing to reopen this weekend should observe social distancing at their in-person services.
Lee, who exempted churches from his stay-at-home order, said at a press conference that faith leaders should only open if they feel it is safe, as he issued a seven-point plan for churches to prevent the spread of the virus at churches.
“Tennessee’s faith leaders have been incredibly innovative in finding alternative ways to worship that incorporate social distancing so they can continue to provide spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service to their neighbors during these challenging times,” he said. “As we look to reopen our economy in a safe fashion, the decision on in-person gatherings will be up to each individual faith community.”
The plan calls for church members to stand at least 6 feet apart at services and for everyone present to wear masks. It also recommends that older members of congregations continue to watch services online to help churches keep their capacity below 50%. Members who feel sick or show symptoms of the coronavirus are asked to remain at home.
Lee’s guidance for churches mirrors that of several other states that have moved toward reopening their economies. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday issued a similar outline, which reversed a previous order not allowing church gatherings of more than 10 people. Two churches sued Kelly before the order was reversed.
In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Thursday evening updated a stay-at-home order which banned any churches from gathering. Pritzker only changed the order after an evangelical church sued him for “hostility” to religion.
Pritzker’s new order, like the guidances released by Lee and Kelly, encourages churches to use their discretion in services, praising those that have resorted to “online or drive-in services to protect the health and safety of their congregants.”
In the past week, many churches have stated that they will wait until mid-May, or even beyond, to resume in-person services.
