State of California releases guidance for religious services, cultural ceremonies

(KION) The State of California has released new guidance for religious services and cultural ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to this point, worship services have not been allowed to take place in person because of restrictions on gatherings.

Places of worship will be required to create a workplace specific plan established at every location to identify health department contact information. They will also have to train and communicate with staff, evaluate workplaces for compliance and investigate illnesses.

Some training topics that will need to be included are self-screening and temperature checks, the importance of hand washing, physical distancing and the proper use of face coverings.

At the beginning of their shifts, staff will have to undergo temperature and/or symptom screenings, and employers will need to provide and make sure employees use protective equipment. Staff and volunteers are asked not to enter the home of or visit someone who has been tested for, exhibited symptoms of or has been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19.

Places of worship are asked to no longer offer self-service of food and beverages or hold potlucks to reduce the risk of contamination. They are also encouraged to avoid singing, group recitation and other practices that may increase the chances of COVID-19 transmission from contaminated exhaled droplets.

For more details, read the full guidance below.