[Lifesite News] Alberta’s United Conservative government has followed a California county and banned singing during live-streamed church services — which are restricted to fewer than 15 people — allegedly to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“Any gatherings with fewer than 15 people must not include activities that could promote disease transmission,” reads a March 24 Alberta government advisory on restrictions on gatherings.
“This includes singing, even at religious gatherings, as infected people can transmit the virus through their saliva or respiratory droplets while singing,” it notes.
“Other activities considered high risk include — but are not limited to — cheering, hand shaking, preparing food, sharing food or beverages, and buffet-style meals.”
The penalty for violating the order is a fine that can range from $1,000 to $100,000 for a first offense and up to $500,000 “for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.”
As the directive is worded, a priest singing the Mass in the presence of a single cameraperson and observing the required social distance would be in violation of the law and subject to fines between $1,000 to $100,000.
According to an individual who spoke to LifeSiteNews but wished to remain anonymous, local churches are continuing to sing during their live-streamed worship services.
“The government has crossed a line in dictating how we are allowed to worship our God,” the individual told LifeSiteNews. “That is not acceptable to many churches. That’s no different than China.”
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[Editor’s Note: This article was written by Lianne Lawrence and first published at Lifesite News]
