Coronavirus: Texas Outlines Guide To Attending Religious Services

AUSTIN, TX — Top state officials on Monday outlined guidelines related to people attending religious services amid new gubernatorial executive orders designed to relax rules related to physical distancing.

Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton jointly issued the updated joint guidance regarding the effect of Abbott’s Executive Order GA-18 on religious services conducted by congregations and houses of worship. The guidance recommends health protocols for houses of worship to guard the health and safety of their attendees while serving their respective communities of faith.

“Houses of worship face particular challenges as Texans work to combat this pandemic," Paxton said in a prepared statement. "This updated guidance provides clear direction to protect the health and safety of faith groups as they plan for future religious gatherings. All Texans must continue to work together to care for the health and safety of our neighbors as we work to reopen the state.”

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The updated guidance continues to protect the rights of Texans to freely exercise their religion, the top officials said. Executive Order GA-18 defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.”

Read the guidance document here.

State and local government orders may not prohibit people from providing or obtaining those religious services, Abbott and Paxton said.

Related story: Texas Governor Allows Malls, Restaurants, More To Open By May 1

For information and guidelines on the safe and strategic reopening of Texas, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.