Worship during COVID crisis

During these challenging times, we must all work together to stop the spread of Coronavirus. Given recent orders and CDC Guidelines, here are some suggestions for practicing your faith while also practicing safety for yourself and the community. 

Learn more-  Guidance for Houses of Worship During the COVID-19 Crisis

Loading...

As we head into the Easter weekend, we want to remind everyone about the Governor’s Order related to holding religious services so that we can all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order GA 14 issued by Governor Abbott on March 31, 2020, and the Guidance for Houses of Worship during the COVID-10 Crisis issued by Governor Abbott and the Texas Attorney General address the restrictions for conducting religious services. The Order and Guidance state that religious services must be provided through remote services (such as remote audio, video, or teleconference). Only when religious services cannot be provided using remote services, can they be provided by other methods.

The Guidelines also state that some houses of worship must avoid large gatherings and that they should work with the county and the city to evaluate the rate of local community spread so that houses of worship use the correct measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of the time of the posting of this letter, the City of Kyle has twenty-four active COVID cases, which is the highest out of all the cities in Hays County. The CDC guidelines for community and faith-based organizations state that when a community is experiencing substantial community spread, then community and faith-based gatherings of any size should be cancelled.

Kyle’s religious leaders and churches have all moved to holding religious services by remote technology. For this the City is grateful. You are not only protecting your employees, congregation, and everyone they come into contact with, you are also serving as an example for how others should conduct themselves, even when it is difficult.

Your good example is needed now more than ever. The longer social distancing goes on, the more difficult it is for people to comply. Texas has not reached its peak of COVID cases, which is projected to happen around April 24. To continue the community effort to slow the spread of this virus, you must continue to hold worship services by remote technology (audio, video, or teleconference only), not only to comply with the Governor’s Order, but to safeguard the members of our community and to serve as an example when it becomes difficult for others.