The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued an updated order for face coverings and now churches across Pennsylvania are wondering how this new order pertains to churches and church life.
Here are three points to help you understand this new order
1. Face Covering Order
Outdoor church meeting: If attendees are socially distanced from non-family members, this new order does not require you to wear masks.
Indoor church meeting: It is unclear how the Department of Health intends this recent order to apply to churches and what this means, particularly if you are meeting indoors.
The Church Ambassador Network has requested and been promised additional guidance by the PA Department of Health, which we will provide to you as soon as possible.
2. Order Enforcement
At this time, no citations will be issued and law enforcement will not enforce the new mask wearing requirement order. As the Health Department spokesperson, Nate Wardle, stated, ”We are relying on the good sense and cooperative spirit of Pennsylvanians to follow the Sec. of Health’s mask-wearing requirement order, and at this time law enforcement will not be charged with enforcing this latest order with citations for noncompliance.”
3. Taking Communion
The Health Department spokesperson also stated, “As far as eating, yes, the mask should be worn until the point of eating or drinking, at which point the individual does not need to be wearing a mask until they finish.” It stands to reason then that taking communion would be allowable under this description.
Allegheny County Order
The Allegheny County Health Department issued a new order today prohibiting gatherings of over 25 people, starting at 12:01am tomorrow (Friday, July 3rd). However, they exclude religious gatherings. “This Order does not apply to religious gatherings held by churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, or other places of worship. Religious institutions remain subject to any requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.” Click here to read order.
One additional note: Governor Wolf instituted his current reopening plan with this exemption (which still stands): “Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations established by this Order. These institutions are strongly encouraged to enforce social distancing and other mitigation measures like masking at their gatherings.” Click here to read order.
It is unconstitutional
Yes, it is unconstitutional, however, it is SO IMPORTANT to prevent the continued spread of a nasty little virus that doesn’t care what country we are in or what laws we passed hundreds of years ago. It’s so urgent that we need to set aside the unconstitutionality of these mandates; briefly, at least. We need to and use our common sense to get RID of Covid and get on with our “normal” lives again, if that is even possible. Listen, wearing a mask is a way to show that you are not selfish and stubborn, and you have common sense. Wearing a mask does not protect you, it protects others, and their masks protect you. The clear message I get when I see a person who refuses to wear a mask is that they care only for themselves and wish me harm, or they are lacking in intelligence. Please, do yourself and everyone else a huge favor and climb aboard the mask train.
Valid points, but simply stating positive reasons is probably a more effective agument than shaming. Die hard no-maskers will only bristle at the shaming.