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Holcomb Advises Churches On Safe Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

Sunday morning mass at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend on March 15, 2020.
Sunday morning mass at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend on March 15, 2020.

Gov. Eric Holcomb is urging Christian Hoosiers to safely practice their faith this weekend as people celebrate Holy Week and Easter.

Holcomb’s “Stay-At-Home” order limits gatherings to no more than 10 people – though some churches throughout the state have flouted that restriction in recent weeks.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says churches can host “drive-in” services, though they still need to follow social distancing guidelines.

“Stay in your cars," Box says. "Go to the bathroom before you leave and don’t get out of your cars for anything, except when you reach home again.”

READ MORE: Socially Distant But Together In Spirit: Faith Communities Prep For April Celebrations

Holcomb says churches should restrict contact between clergy, staff and their congregations. And he would prefer they not give out communion.

“But if so, it has to be pre-packaged and it has to meet the current food safety standards,” Holcomb says.

Holcomb says he hopes law enforcement won’t have to break up church services violating the “Stay-At-Home” order.

Contact Brandon at  bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page  here. 

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  or the  Indiana State Department of Health  for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.

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Brandon J. Smith has previously worked as a reporter and anchor for KBIA Radio in Columbia, MO. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, IL as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.