Churches and houses of worship allowed to resume indoor services
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) The Supreme Court ruled against California’s ban on indoor worship services, and churches and other houses of worship are allowed to resume indoor services.
The 6-3 decision was made Friday. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will still be modifications, such as limiting services to 25% capacity and now allowing singing or chanting indoors.
“Its about time," said Dennis Powel who attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salinas. "Ive been to Macys, I’ve been to Costco and they’re a lot busier than we are.”
Dennis Powel has attended the church for 47 years. The church has done a good job in making sure its clean, he said. In his opinion its crazy that singing and chanting isn't allowed. But, he's glad to be inside after spending days outside in the cold and rain.
“Its a lot easier for some people to be able to come into the church for some reasons like age," said Powel.
Alicia Palacios has attended Sacred Heart church for 18 years. It was sad not being able to go inside the church, she said. She described it as a son or daughter not being able to go insider their parents house. She doesnt remember when she was this happy last, she said.
“Happy, when you know something and you separate from that one thing that you love. you feel sad," said Palacios. "But today I am happy.”
Birgilio Bagtas has been a volunteer in the church for 31years. Today he welcomed the people and checked their temperatures as they walked in. He feels grateful and has been waiting for the day to have indoor services, he said.
"Every time they come in they have to sanitize their hands and every time they leave they have to sanitize all the chairs to make sure theres no bacteria left just to follow the guidelines," said Bagtas.
In a statement sent as an email, the Diocese of Monterey said Bishop Danny is permitting all parishes to return to indoor services effective today. However, they will continue to offer live stream.
