March 2021 Guidelines on Places of Worship
Based on the recent guidelines on Covid restrictions on places of worship published on February 22, 2021, singing during indoor worship is limited to 10 performers. As a result, the Sunday assembly schedule will be as follows:
Can open indoors with modifications
– Indoor activities strongly discouraged
– Max 25% capacity
Singing, chanting, playing wind instruments, and similar activities are permitted subject to the restrictions below. Workers or volunteers who are providing vocal, instrumental, or other music for a service or ceremony but sit or stand separately from the visitors or congregants are “performers.” Additional or alternative modifications for performances may be required by the forthcoming Live Performances guidance.
Outdoor
- Performers who are singing, chanting, playing a wind instrument, or engaging in similar activities must maintain 6 feet of physical distance from spectators and other performers if they are wearing face coverings, or 12 feet of physical distance if they are not wearing face coverings.
- Members of the audience or congregation may sing or chant as long as they wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing.
Widespread (purple)
- Performers singing, chanting, playing a wind instrument, or engaging in similar activities indoors must wear face coverings at all times.
- Such performers must maintain at least 12 of physical distance from other performers and 24 feet of physical distance from visitors or congregants.
- During a single service or ceremony before a live audience, no more than 10 performers may sing, chant, play wind instruments, or engage in similar activities.
- Performers are counted toward the occupancy capacity limit.
- Performers are strongly recommended to obtain a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to the service.
- Houses of worship should improve ventilation as much as possible.