Modified in-person worship can resume Wednesday, Walz says

ST. PAUL — Minnesotans can gather for worship again but will have to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines "really, really closely" as they do, Gov. Tim Walz announced Saturday.

The state's guidelines follow President Donald Trump's announcement Friday that places of worship were to be deemed essential, and he called on governors to reopen these places.

Walz issued an executive order Saturday allowing places of worship, funeral homes and other places where people gather for religious events to reopen for more than 10 people provided they ensure six feet of physical distancing between households and implement a COVID-19 preparedness plan. Indoor gatherings can't exceed 25% of the building's capacity or 250 people — whichever number is lower. Outside, these kinds of gatherings can't surpass 250 people.

Watch:Gov. Walz provides update on reopening places of worship

The Minnesota Department of Health's newly issued guidance also strongly recommends everyone wears masks and that there is no congregate singing

Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are still at risk, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said Saturday at a press conference, and should continue to avoid these gatherings.

Still, Walz encouraged Minnesotans to stay home and worship remotely as much as possible, and some have already decided to do so.

"I am under no illusion whatsoever: Every move we make that loosens up increases the risk," Walz said.

Malcolm said the health department knows how important faith is to to the wellbeing of Minnesotans, but that "large gatherings continue to present a clear, documented risk" for the spread of COVID-19.

Walz reminded Minnesotans that their behavior has an impact on this spread, and that choices to disregard public health guidance endangers families and neighbors.

"We are our brother's keeper, in this case," Walz said.

Others, including the Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Minnesota, said before the Saturday announcement that they would be offering in-person services again starting next week.

Walz said he has spent the last few days in consultation with spiritual leaders, and also spoke with Vice President Mike Pence Thursday.

Saturday also marked the celebration of Eid al-Fitr for Muslims in the U.S. The Islamic Center in St. Cloud posted on its Facebook page that this year's Eid is unique because of the pandemic, and that those celebrating would pray at home.

The new guidance surrounding places of worship does not apply to other events, like graduations or wedding receptions.

"The CDC was very specific around religious events," Walz said.

He said he understands frustrations over apparent contradictions between different decisions made as the state continues to manage its public health response to the novel coronavirus.

Sarah Kocher is the business reporter for the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-255-8799 or skocher@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahAKocher.

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