San Andreas, CA…On Monday May 25, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued guidance to places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies on how they can safely reopen during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the guidance itself does not obligate places of worship to resume in-person services, it is strongly recommended that they continue remote services and other related activities for groups who are most at risk for sever COVID-19 illness.

Under the new guidance, places of worship must limit attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100, whichever is lower, for the first 21-days. After 21 days, the California Department of Public Health and local health departments will assess the impact and provide further direction to restore activities in places of worship.

Places of worship must also take all possible steps to ensure to prevent the spread of the virus. View the guidance for Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies for more information.

“Faith-based organizations provide more than just places of worship in our community,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. “They serve as an integral part in providing many services to Calaveras communities and help to address the unmet needs of those affected during emergencies,” said Dr. Kelaita.

The state of California also released guidance for Hair Salons and Barbershops.

For COVID-19 information and resources visit the Calaveras County COVID-19 website at https://covid19.calaverasgov.us/.