Mississippi recorded its 7,000th COVID-19 related death last week as officials from the State Department of Health updated its guidelines for faith-based gatherings and worship services.
The state has recorded 306,158 cases of coronavirus and 7,055 fatalities as of Monday, April 5. Statistics from MSDH estimate 292,872 people in Mississippi have recovered from various stages of the virus since the pandemic began in March of 2020.
Reports of people contracting COVID-19 have slowed drastically in Tate County over the past few weeks. There were 12 additional cases reported from March 29 through April 5 with one virus-related death.
Mississippi health officials are recommending churches and other religious organizations continue to hold off on hosting indoor worship services during the coronavirus pandemic, even after Gov. Tate Reeves relaxed regulations on other kinds of social gatherings.
“To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the vulnerable, the safest options continue to be virtual or outdoor services,” the state Health Department said in a news release detailing new guidelines for faith-based gatherings and worship.
Earlier this month, Reeves rolled back mask mandates on the state level and all capacity regulations for restaurants. While many area churches are following different guidelines, MSDH recommends that everyone 16 and older be vaccinated against COVID-19 before attending indoor services, even if the individual has been previously infected with the virus.
MSDH also suggested congregants wear a face mask at all times during in-person services and Sunday school classes, and maintain six feet of separation from people who don’t live in the same house as them.
People should not gather in close groups while entering or exiting the building and should use hand sanitizer.
Singing at services is “a high-risk activity that can quickly spread viral particles,” officials said. “It is preferable to not have choirs; however, if choirs are performing, they should be small in number, masked, and separated by six feet,” the Health Department said in the release.
Congregations should pursue alternatives to shared cups for communion, according to the Health Department officials. Hymn and prayer books can be used if congregants sanitize their hands before use. Information on COVID-19 vaccines and appointments is available at covidvaccine.umc.edu.
