Minneapolis to resume worship, weddings and funerals
After consulting with faith leaders and new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Gov. Tim Walz issued an order which allows places of worship, wedding and funerals to reopen from Wednesday. This executive order 20-62 permits the reopening with gatherings of not more than ten people with the following requirements:
- Maintaining a minimum of six feet distance between households is mandatory.
- Indoor gathering occupancy must not be over 25% of the overall capacity.
- Outdoor get-togethers must include a maximum of 250 people.
The governor urges Minnesotans to limit their in-person interactions and those at risk to stay at home. He also clarifies that the order does not permit receptions and communal sharing of food.
Archbishop Hebda stated that as told continuously by the bishops of Minnesota, pastors and parishes can resume public Mass. But they should only restart if they are confident of maintaining the sanitization and ensuring that the protocols such as following the changes in the liturgy, mainly related to the reception of Holy Communion.
In response to the tweet of President Donald Trump, where he regarded worship to be essential, many faith leaders came up to thank the decision. They pointed out that the religious groups were feeling left behind and that now, every leader will ensure safety.
Also, the battle for reopening restaurants and bars continues. And due to a recent COVID-19 in a graduation ceremony, the new order does not apply for these ceremonies.