The Orange County Health Department has released guidance to local churches who are conducting outdoor worship amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Because worship services are exempt from the state and local orders limit gatherings, some churches are looking to conduct outdoor services. To help educate churches on how to safely conduct them, the department produced a video series with various public health guidelines, tips and demonstrations of safe practices.

“We know that faith and connecting with one’s church is a very important part of many people’s lives,” said Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the Health Department. “Especially during the pandemic, it is important to engage in activities that support one’s mental health and well-being. We hope these videos will educate churches on how to be able to worship in the safest way possible.”

The videos, which have both English and Spanish versions, encourage churches to create a COVID-19 Safety Plan by reviewing information and materials from the Centers for Disease Control and North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services. Some of the suggestions are requiring attendees to stay physically separated, require masks to be worn and to maintain good hygiene.

In addition, Orange County Health recommends churches submit their COVID-19 Safety Plans to the department for review. In the forms for review, churches can list how much space in which the outdoor services are conducted, an estimate of attendees each service, methods of health screening and even their seating plans. The submission page for safety plans is on the county’s website.

To assist with reminding attendees of public health guidelines and safety protocols, the health department also is offering several printable signs to churches. They remind people to wear masks, physically distance and the proper technique for hand washing.

More information on Orange County Health Department’s guidance for churches conducting outdoor worship can be found on the county’s web page dedicated to Religion and Worship Services.

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