California has completely banned singing in Churches in an effort they say is designed to contain the spread of the Corovanirus. This comes on the heels of other restrictions in place, such as limiting indoor services to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 congregants.
The state’s Department of Public Health released an updated missive that all Californian Christians must adhere to, under punishment of fines or even jail, writing:
“Practices and performances present an increased likelihood for transmission of COVID-19 through contaminated exhaled droplets and should occur through alternative methods like internet streaming,”
*Places of worship must therefore discontinue singing and chanting activities and limit indoor attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower. Local Health Officers are advised to consider appropriate limitations on outdoor attendance capacities, factoring their jurisdiction’s key COVID19 health indicators. At a minimum, outdoor attendance should be limited naturally through implementation of strict physical distancing measures of a minimum of six feet between attendees from different households, in addition to
The draconian move comes after coronavirus cases have increased in the State, with governor Gavin Newsom pulling the loose tighter on the faithful.
Pastor Gary Shelding of Grace Church, LA says “We have no intention of abiding by these new restrictions, and in fact, didn’t abide by the last ones either. We are Christians and we gather to worship Jesus- that’s all there is to it. We must serve God rather than men.”
