OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Thursday, the Douglas County Health Department sent out guidelines on "alternative types of religious services during the upcoming Holy Week."
“We know faith is an essential part of the American social fabric,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “Spiritual guidance can combine with social distancing and make for a memorable service.”
Churches will be allowed to have drive-in services but should follow these guidelines:
- Individuals must stay in their vehicle, with the windows up. This keeps them in their own personal enclosed space.
- Audio must be broadcast by available technology to maintain closed vehicles.
- NO carpooling. Individuals residing in the same household may attend in the same vehicle. Family members that live in other homes MUST drive their own vehicle.
- Leader(s) of the service are to stay in a stationed area, NOT mingling or weaving through the parked vehicles. Leader(s) must maintain a distance of six (6) feet.
- Offerings, if collected, CANNOT be by someone going vehicle to vehicle. It can be a drive through and drop. With anyone that is monitoring the location maintaining six (6) feet away from any vehicle that opens the window to deposit.
- Communion, if practiced, CANNOT be passed from vehicle to vehicle or shared. Each vehicle must have their own items, for their own consumption. Each religious venue must establish how attendees can obtain supplies, in advance, for purposes of communion.
- Building access is limited to no more than ten (10) individuals maintaining six (6) feet separation at any time for URGENT needs ONLY. (Bathroom usage)
- Noise levels must be maintained as to not disturb surrounding residences/businesses.
- Traffic must not impede the regular flow of public streets. Plans should be in place for managing possible congestion