Assemblyman Jones: Church Reopening Guidelines are Too Restrictive
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) has announced that he supports reopening churches beyond the 10-person limitation with strict social distancing guidelines.
“Places of worship are often designed for large capacities, and therefore can easily social distance more than 10 people. I have heard from many religious organizations regarding proposals they have to safely reopen their doors to their congregations, who desperately are searching for spiritual guidance in these difficult times,” the Assemblyman said. “Specifically, the Diocese of Ogdensburg has proposed having a percentage of the allowed full capacity of the building, requiring church attendees to wear masks and socially distance, and several other precautionary guidelines, instead of having a blanket 10-person policy. I believe approaches like these are more reasonable and effective than limiting services to 10 people or less.”
The Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg recently released a video statement detailing their reopening plan, which includes restricting handholding during certain prayers, passing collection baskets, congregating in large groups outside or inside churches and making offertory processions, along with numerous other changes to ordinary services.1