No In-Person Easter, Passover Services In Wisconsin: Governor

MADISON, WI — Citing a need to protect the public against the spread of the new coronavirus, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said he would not ease up on the state's "safer at home" order to allow parishioners to gather for in-person Easter and Passover celebrations, denying a request made by Republican lawmakers.

More than 60 Republican leaders, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos sent a letter to the governor that in part asked him to work with Wisconsin churches and temples to allow for them to hold Easter or Passover services, even if they are held outside.

Wisconsin has shut down schools, non-essential businesses, limited many governmental functions and and issued a "safer at home" order which restricts public gatherings and non-essential travel as the state deals with a growing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths.

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"For many of us, being a part of these services will offer much-needed solace during these uncertain times," Vos said in a statement.

Evers, who had been grappling with the same GOP leaders over how to add extra protections for the April 7 election, including a possible postponement, said he wouldn't make any exceptions to the "safer at home" order.

“As a state and as a nation, we are heading into the worst of this public health crisis," a statement from the governor's office read. "The governor understands that for many Wisconsinites their faith is a source of comfort, especially in these difficult times, but in order to protect the health and safety of all Wisconsinites he will not be rolling back the provisions of the Safer at Home order. We continue to call on Republicans in the legislature to do their part to ensure public health and safety.”

Easter is Sunday, April 12. Passover starts on April 8 and concludes on April 16.

Under the "safer at home" order, large gatherings, such as religious services, are not allowed in-person, citing the need to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Many religious institutions and churches have opted to host virtual services online.

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