ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Starting Thursday, religious gatherings of no more than 10 people can resume across New York State.
In his daily briefing on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo provided more details on the guidelines for religious gatherings. Participants will have to follow social distancing measures, and those measures will have to be enforced. All participants must also wear masks.
In addition, Governor Cuomo announced that religious institutions could begin holding drive-in or parking lot services starting Thursday.
Currently, religious organizations in New York are operating with restrictions under Executive Order 202.10, which canceled or postponed all non-essential gatherings "of any size for any reasons." The order continues:
Congregate services within houses of worship are prohibited. Houses of worship may only be used by individuals and only where appropriate social distancing of, at least, six feet between people can be maintained. Further, individuals should not gather in houses of worship, homes, or other locations for religious services until further notice.
Governor Cuomo announced Wednesday that the state was convening its Interfaith Advisory Council to "discuss proposals to safely bring back religious services."
