Churches Can Reopen In Minnesota: Walz Announces Guidelines

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Saturday said his administration has partnered with Minnesota faith leaders on a plan to safely reopen churches and other places of worship.

The announcement comes after the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota said Wednesday that they will go ahead with their plan to allow larger public Masses, even while Walz's order related to COVID-19 — called "Stay Safe MN" — limited worship services to 10 people or less.

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Walz's announcement Saturday also comes a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance allowing for reopening places of worship

Through consultation with Minnesota faith leaders, the Minnesota Department of Health has developed additional guidance for faith-based communities, places of worship, and services.

Starting May 27, churches may open at 25 percent occupancy if they adhere to social distancing and other public health guidelines to keep congregants safe, according to a news release.

"I have had many meaningful conversations with faith leaders over the last few weeks," Walz said in a statement.

"From a personal and public health perspective, the decision around places of worship has been a challenging one since the beginning of the pandemic. We know large gatherings of people raise the risk of spreading COVID-19. We also know worship is an essential part of many Minnesotans’ lives, including mine."

Walz signed Executive Order 20-62 Saturday, amending his previous orders to allow for safe worship, weddings, and funerals.

"As a person of faith, it is hard to be separated from community at this time," Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said.

"I urge all Minnesotans to remember that the best way to love their neighbor right now is by practicing good public health. With the CDC issuing new guidance, I hope our plan announced today will help ensure Minnesotans who wish to worship in person can do so as safely as possible."

According to the new executive order, places of worship, funeral homes, and other venues that offer gathering space for weddings, funerals, and planned services such as worship, rituals, prayer meetings, scripture studies, may host such services with over 10 people, provided that they adhere to the below requirements:

• In all settings, ensure a minimum of 6 feet of physical distancing between households.
• In indoor settings, occupancy must not exceed 25 percent of the normal occupant capacity as determined by the fire marshal, with a maximum of 250 people in a single self-contained space.
• In outdoor settings, gatherings must not exceed 250 individuals.
• Develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with guidance developed by the Minnesota Department of Health