RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Many houses of worship will remain empty this weekend in Virginia even though most of the state has entered the first phase of a gradual reopening set in place by Gov. Ralph Northam.
The Roanoke Times reports several mainline denominations in the state have directed members to wait for the time being to host in-person services. The directives come as nonessential businesses across the state began to reopen Friday after Northam eased restrictions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia will allow services to be live-streamed from inside churches starting May 24. That same weekend, small groups of people will be allowed to attend services at two Catholic churches in Roanoke.
Under Northam’s plan, retail stores are reopening with limited capacity, but indoor gyms remain closed, beaches are still off limits and restaurants cannot provide indoor dine-in service. No restrictions have been lifted in northern Virginia, Richmond and Accomack County, which were granted two-week delays after local officials said it was too early to move forward.
The newspaper reports the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church is allowing drive-in services this weekend for some churches, and a few others will be able to host services for groups of fewer than 25 people beginning May 24.
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