(Johnston) Church doors reopen today in parishes located in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The move is part of Governor Reynolds’s move to ease guidelines in regions where COVID-19 is low or none at all.
Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reistetter says at the same time, many social gatherings are still limited, and entertainment venues remain closed, Iowans today in the 77 counties may gather for spiritual or religious purposes. The Governors April 27 proclamation provides for churches, synagogues, or other hosts of spiritual or religious gatherings resuming in-person services must take special measures to ensure the health of its congregants.
Reistetter says smaller services, outdoor services, and drive-in services to continue the efforts to slow the spread of the virus, can also be considered.
With the announcement that places of worship can reopen, questions arose as to what is considered a religious service.
These guidelines are posted at corovavirus.iowa.gov at the top of the page.
