This weekend finds two of the world's major religions noting some of their most sacred days. They also fall within the scope of the "Safer At Home" order and a local health leader hopes people observe the coronavirus precautions.
Passover began Wednesday and Good Friday and Easter Sunday are this weekend.
Oneida County Health Officer Linda Conlon says the order means groups larger than 10 cannot gather, especially since it's difficult to know who has been exposed to COVID-19. She says churches have been doing a good job by finding alternatives such as broadcasts on radio, online and other technology. But Conlon says having people drive up in their cars isn't recommended..
"Although there was some great thinking out of the box with having people drive up in their cars for services this weekend, the Governor and the Division of Public Health really are not recommending that or stating that is against the order..."
She says what happens is people get out of their cars to go into the church to use restrooms and this could put them in proximity to others, perhaps more than 10. She says it's difficult to enforce the effective social distancing guidelines..
"We are encouraging our faith communities to continue to provide their services in another manner that doesn't put people together physically...."
Conlon says they sympathize with congregants of faith- and spiritual-based organizations who will miss the services and fellowship, but, she says, the goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy by following the practices put in place by the Safer At Home order.
