No singing, limits of 30 people for worship services

Faith leaders of diverse religious backgrounds came together to make sure worship services were included in the plan to reopen Saskatchewan.

As of Monday, they will be allowed to welcome back 30 people at a time.

Regina Roman Catholic Archbishop Donald Bolen said several local Catholic parishes allowed groups of 10 people to attend services in person this weekend in order to create a kind of “dry run” of the different protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the next two weeks, a working group from the Regina archdiocese will go back to the drawing board to study provincial guidelines to advise parishes on what to do for the upcoming weekend.

The initial stage of reopening allows for one-third capacity up to a maximum of 30 people inside places of worship. The guidelines encourage pre-registration of participants where possible in order to make sure only 30 people attend services.

Spaces should be marked out to ensure physical distancing of two metres or six feet between people from individual households. People will be asked to remain in place until the end of the service and find a way to enter and exit the space while still maintaining physical distancing.

Bolen noted the plans for reopening and worship guidelines are being received differently by different church communities.

“Some parishes have a lot of vulnerable people. Some small rural parishes are still very cautious about reopening and some are struggling about an appropriate way to receive communion. A second group, which is probably the largest group, is just relieved and happy that we’re taking a step towards larger community gatherings again in our churches,” Bolen said.

The archbishop said some people are frustrated about the limit of 30 people, particularly when they see many more people allowed to shop inside large stores at the same time.

“The conversations with the liaison from the government suggested that we see 30 as a first step in a larger reopening,” Bolen said.

Bolen said the archdiocese will continue to monitor challenges that arise and work with the government liaison to address any issues.

“(We’re doing so) with the hopes that when we work out any snags and produce a protocol that is acceptable to the government and to health officials, those numbers can rise,” Bolen said.

Singing together has been flagged as a high-risk activity because the virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. The guidelines note a specific case where the virus spread to 87 per cent of choir members from one infected person.

Microphones should not be shared between people because they are difficult to disinfect. If one leader is required to sing during worship, they are expected to increase the distance from the congregation or wear a mask.

Any ceremony or ritual involving direct physical contact should either be modified or involve the use of personal protective equipment like masks. Communion poses a particular risk and will have to have specific protocols in place to be safe.

While many Catholic parishes are choosing to move ahead with in-person services of 30 people, many different churches and other places of worship are still figuring out what to do in the face of restrictions.

Several other Christian denominational churches are choosing to continue with online services for the summer due to their large congregations.