Washington state religious services rules relaxed by new coronavirus reopening guidance

Some of the regulations imposed on religious and faith-based services such as churches have been relaxed in the newest guidance of the state’s reopening plan, according to the governor’s office Monday afternoon, Aug. 10.

Gov. Jay Inslee has been providing guidance for each county to follow as they go through each phase of the state’s Safe Start plan following the coronavirus pandemic.

Services covered by this guidance include worship, religious study classes, religious ceremonies and religious holiday celebrations. Religious weddings and funerals are not covered by this guidance.

While drive-in services or remote sessions are still the recommended option, counties in Phase 1 can hold outdoor services for up to 100 people, according to the guidance. Six feet of social distancing and cloth face masks will be required for those who attend.

In Phase 2, outdoor services can be attended by up to 200 people with the same requirements as Phase 1. Indoor services can be held for up to 25 percent of the room’s capacity or 200 people, whichever is less.

Additional people can attend simultaneous services at the same building only if the building has separate rooms, has an entrance/exit separate from the main entrance, and bathrooms available for all attendees. Masks and distancing will again be required at all times.

In Phase 3, indoor services can expand to 50 percent capacity or 400 people with distancing and masks in place. Outdoor services can accommodate up to 400 people as well with social distancing enforced. Phase 3 will also see the allowance of in-home religious services for up to 10 people, with masks required for all participants.

Organizations have been strongly recommended to keep a two-week log of visitors and attendees in the case of an outbreak, but it has not been made a requirement.

This story was originally published August 11, 2020 at 5:00 AM.