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Churches Are Canceling Services as the Coronavirus Spreads Churches Are Canceling Services as the Coronavirus Spreads
(about 3 hours later)
As the number of coronavirus cases in Kentucky ticked upward in recent days, Justin Rhorer, a pastor in Lexington, knew that drastic changes to religious life might be coming. He began to talk quietly with other church leaders about what they would do if they had to consider canceling Sunday services, a pillar of Christian life. In a dramatic move to slow the spread of the coronavirus in one of the most affected regions of the country, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle suspended all public celebration of Mass, effective immediately, becoming the first Catholic archdiocese in the country to do so.
On Wednesday, word came down from the governor that churches across Kentucky should do just that, a sweeping measure that is expected to have a broad impact in a deeply religious state. “This is out of an extreme measure of caution,” the archbishop of Seattle, Paul D. Etienne, said in a video message on Wednesday. “Despite our best efforts, this epidemic is going to continue to spread.”
It was among the most significant examples of how the coronavirus is increasingly disrupting religious life in the United States, from a mosque in the Seattle area that canceled traditional Friday prayer services last week to the nation’s capital, where an Episcopal church shut down after officials learned that a rector may have served communion while infected. Priests, he said, should continue to privately celebrate the Eucharist each day.
On Wednesday, the Episcopal bishops in Virginia and Washington, D.C., announced that all churches in the dioceses would be closed for two weeks, including the Washington National Cathedral, which has held presidential funerals and is a focal point of Christian life in the capital. It was the most significant example of how the coronavirus is increasingly disrupting religious life across the United States, from a mosque in the Seattle area that canceled traditional Friday prayer services last week to the nation’s capital, where an Episcopal church shut down after officials learned that a rector may have served communion while infected.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Episcopal bishops in Virginia and Washington, D.C., announced that all churches in the dioceses would be closed for two weeks, including the Washington National Cathedral, which has held presidential funerals and is a focal point of Christian life in the capital.
“I am painfully aware of the significance of this change,” Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington wrote in a letter on Wednesday, adding, “We are indeed in uncharted waters — not just as a diocese, but as a country and as a global human family.”“I am painfully aware of the significance of this change,” Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington wrote in a letter on Wednesday, adding, “We are indeed in uncharted waters — not just as a diocese, but as a country and as a global human family.”
Houses of worship have come under increased scrutiny, as the very things that make them centers for community life and connection — places where large numbers of people gather to pray, take communion together, shake hands and socialize — have become a potential source of fear and infection.Houses of worship have come under increased scrutiny, as the very things that make them centers for community life and connection — places where large numbers of people gather to pray, take communion together, shake hands and socialize — have become a potential source of fear and infection.
Bishop Budde encouraged worshipers to join the National Cathedral for online services on the next two Sundays. She said that parish schools would be allowed to make their own decisions about whether to close, and that ministries that largely serve people who are hungry or homeless would continue to do so.Bishop Budde encouraged worshipers to join the National Cathedral for online services on the next two Sundays. She said that parish schools would be allowed to make their own decisions about whether to close, and that ministries that largely serve people who are hungry or homeless would continue to do so.
“We will err on the side of our compassion, but we want to make sure that our volunteers and all who come to receive those necessary services are safe,” Bishop Budde said at a news conference.“We will err on the side of our compassion, but we want to make sure that our volunteers and all who come to receive those necessary services are safe,” Bishop Budde said at a news conference.
Following the Washington changes, Eugene Sutton, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, banned priests from distributing wine during communion, reminding parishioners that receiving the bread alone was still considered a full communion.Following the Washington changes, Eugene Sutton, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, banned priests from distributing wine during communion, reminding parishioners that receiving the bread alone was still considered a full communion.
In Kentucky, Mr. Rhorer, the pastor at Restoration Church, a nondenominational community of about 100 people, was among the religious leaders weighing whether to follow the governor’s advice to cancel services, an important weekly ritual for many people in a predominantly Christian state. About 40 percent of Kentuckians surveyed in 2014 said they attended religious services at least once a week, according to the Pew Research Center.In Kentucky, Mr. Rhorer, the pastor at Restoration Church, a nondenominational community of about 100 people, was among the religious leaders weighing whether to follow the governor’s advice to cancel services, an important weekly ritual for many people in a predominantly Christian state. About 40 percent of Kentuckians surveyed in 2014 said they attended religious services at least once a week, according to the Pew Research Center.
“I know that is a big step,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference. “I know that some won’t agree with it.”“I know that is a big step,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference. “I know that some won’t agree with it.”
But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”
Mr. Rhorer ultimately made the decision to abide by the governor’s recommendation, saying, “Church is people and not a service.”Mr. Rhorer ultimately made the decision to abide by the governor’s recommendation, saying, “Church is people and not a service.”
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In Cynthiana, Ky., where a Walmart worker tested positive for the virus, at least one church was scrambling to shut down its services, Bible study and supper club for the week. Julie Olt, the minister at Cynthiana Presbyterian Church, said she was working out how she could pray with her congregation of about 140 people on Sunday, perhaps through a Facebook Live video or an emailed sermon.In Cynthiana, Ky., where a Walmart worker tested positive for the virus, at least one church was scrambling to shut down its services, Bible study and supper club for the week. Julie Olt, the minister at Cynthiana Presbyterian Church, said she was working out how she could pray with her congregation of about 140 people on Sunday, perhaps through a Facebook Live video or an emailed sermon.
“We don’t know yet,” she said.“We don’t know yet,” she said.
But the governor’s recommendation was met with resistance elsewhere. “This is simply one request we cannot honor,” Robert Cunningham, senior pastor at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington, wrote in a letter to his congregation on Wednesday, adding, “We actually believe that in times of crises, it is uniquely important for churches to open their doors to those who can attend.”But the governor’s recommendation was met with resistance elsewhere. “This is simply one request we cannot honor,” Robert Cunningham, senior pastor at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington, wrote in a letter to his congregation on Wednesday, adding, “We actually believe that in times of crises, it is uniquely important for churches to open their doors to those who can attend.”
At churches, synagogues and mosques across the country, people have been taking preventive measures for weeks, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands and whisking away communal cups meant for communion.At churches, synagogues and mosques across the country, people have been taking preventive measures for weeks, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands and whisking away communal cups meant for communion.
At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City last weekend, a priest did the usual announcement, asking the congregation to “let us offer each other a sign of peace.” “Let’s not,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the archbishop of New York, quickly interrupted, as people in the pews made peace signs with their fingers rather than reaching out for handshakes or hugs. At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City last weekend, a priest did the usual announcement, asking the congregation to “let us offer each other a sign of peace.” “Let’s not,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York, quickly interrupted, as people in the pews made peace signs with their fingers rather than reaching out for handshakes or hugs.
This week, a synagogue became the center of a one-mile containment zone in New Rochelle, N.Y., after a lawyer who attends the synagogue tested positive. And an Episcopal church in Fort Worth also announced it would not hold worship services this Sunday, after a rector was hospitalized with the virus.This week, a synagogue became the center of a one-mile containment zone in New Rochelle, N.Y., after a lawyer who attends the synagogue tested positive. And an Episcopal church in Fort Worth also announced it would not hold worship services this Sunday, after a rector was hospitalized with the virus.
But with the pace of diagnoses across the country rapidly increasing, officials are quickly shifting attention beyond preliminary precautions and moving to limit all large gatherings.But with the pace of diagnoses across the country rapidly increasing, officials are quickly shifting attention beyond preliminary precautions and moving to limit all large gatherings.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State on Wednesday announced a prohibition on community gatherings of 250 or more people in the Seattle area, a measure that could have significant ramifications for major houses of worship. A large mosque in the Seattle area canceled its Friday prayer last week, after the outbreak made it seem unwise to bring 1,000 people close together.Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State on Wednesday announced a prohibition on community gatherings of 250 or more people in the Seattle area, a measure that could have significant ramifications for major houses of worship. A large mosque in the Seattle area canceled its Friday prayer last week, after the outbreak made it seem unwise to bring 1,000 people close together.
Also on Wednesday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the public would not be allowed to attend a major conference in Salt Lake City in April, an event that normally draws thousands of people. Most church members were being asked to tune in online instead.Also on Wednesday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the public would not be allowed to attend a major conference in Salt Lake City in April, an event that normally draws thousands of people. Most church members were being asked to tune in online instead.
The recommendation in Kentucky could have a profound impact in a state where religion is deeply ingrained.The recommendation in Kentucky could have a profound impact in a state where religion is deeply ingrained.
“Faith is very important to me,” Mr. Beshear said at the news conference on Wednesday, announcing that an annual governor’s prayer breakfast had been canceled. “But the life and health of our people is more — just as — important.”“Faith is very important to me,” Mr. Beshear said at the news conference on Wednesday, announcing that an annual governor’s prayer breakfast had been canceled. “But the life and health of our people is more — just as — important.”
In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. But had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. But had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?
Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms throughout the Puget Sound region.Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms throughout the Puget Sound region.
To repurpose the tests for the coronavirus, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, even as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.To repurpose the tests for the coronavirus, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, even as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.
By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing coronavirus tests without government approval. What came back confirmed their worst fear: They had a positive test from a local teenager with no recent travel history.By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing coronavirus tests without government approval. What came back confirmed their worst fear: They had a positive test from a local teenager with no recent travel history.
In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people, and it would go on to kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people, and it would go on to kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.
Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.
The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more widespread testing during the early days of the outbreak, when greater containment still seemed possible.The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more widespread testing during the early days of the outbreak, when greater containment still seemed possible.
Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration toward federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states such as New York and California are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak, which has now spread to 36 states and Washington, D.C.Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration toward federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states such as New York and California are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak, which has now spread to 36 states and Washington, D.C.
As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection passed 1,000 on Tuesday night, signaling that the virus was spreading widely in communities on both coasts and in the center of the country.As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection passed 1,000 on Tuesday night, signaling that the virus was spreading widely in communities on both coasts and in the center of the country.
In yet another sign that the pace of infections was increasing, more than a quarter of the country’s cases were announced on Tuesday. As of early Wednesday, people in 37 states and Washington, D.C., had tested positive for the virus. There were at least 31 related deaths.In yet another sign that the pace of infections was increasing, more than a quarter of the country’s cases were announced on Tuesday. As of early Wednesday, people in 37 states and Washington, D.C., had tested positive for the virus. There were at least 31 related deaths.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.
“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March.“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March.
Hours later, Seattle public schools announced they would close all their facilities for at least the next two weeks.Hours later, Seattle public schools announced they would close all their facilities for at least the next two weeks.
In California, second only to Washington State in the number of cases, passengers continued to disembark from a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus.In California, second only to Washington State in the number of cases, passengers continued to disembark from a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus.
Massachusetts was emerging as a new hot spot for the virus, along with California, New York and Washington State. Of 92 cases in Massachusetts, 70 were tied to a meeting for a biotechnology company in Boston last month.Massachusetts was emerging as a new hot spot for the virus, along with California, New York and Washington State. Of 92 cases in Massachusetts, 70 were tied to a meeting for a biotechnology company in Boston last month.
The governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, as did governors in a number of states, including Colorado, Michigan and North Carolina.The governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, as did governors in a number of states, including Colorado, Michigan and North Carolina.
Vice President Mike Pence, fresh from a conference call with nearly all of the nation’s governors, spoke this week about how much those governors appreciated President Trump’s leadership in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.Vice President Mike Pence, fresh from a conference call with nearly all of the nation’s governors, spoke this week about how much those governors appreciated President Trump’s leadership in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
“The president’s leadership has made the difference here,” Mr. Pence said at a White House news conference on Monday. “I heard it again today from 47 governors.”“The president’s leadership has made the difference here,” Mr. Pence said at a White House news conference on Monday. “I heard it again today from 47 governors.”
The governors, who find themselves grappling with an escalating national health crisis, have begun raising their own voices in a mix of frustration, gratitude, alarm and pleas for assistance.The governors, who find themselves grappling with an escalating national health crisis, have begun raising their own voices in a mix of frustration, gratitude, alarm and pleas for assistance.
The usual partisan stances have been scrambled. Mr. Trump has won praise, particularly from Republican governors, but other members of his party have criticized him for confusing messages and a sluggish response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, some Democrats who are usually critics of the president have praised the federal government and urged a spirit of cooperation, even those Mr. Trump has verbally pummeled.The usual partisan stances have been scrambled. Mr. Trump has won praise, particularly from Republican governors, but other members of his party have criticized him for confusing messages and a sluggish response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, some Democrats who are usually critics of the president have praised the federal government and urged a spirit of cooperation, even those Mr. Trump has verbally pummeled.
But across the board, governors from both parties say that they are hesitant to be too publicly cutting at a time when their states desperately need federal resources. And as the coronavirus crisis deepens by the day, they have made a realization: They are on the front lines.But across the board, governors from both parties say that they are hesitant to be too publicly cutting at a time when their states desperately need federal resources. And as the coronavirus crisis deepens by the day, they have made a realization: They are on the front lines.
“What I have been saying to other governors is, ‘You’re on our own,’” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Wednesday.“What I have been saying to other governors is, ‘You’re on our own,’” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Wednesday.
In an interview on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, said the federal government had “not lived up to its expectations” when it came to making coronavirus tests available. Mr. Cuomo of New York, a Democrat and a frequent critic of the president, has described the administration’s response as “bad government and poor planning.”In an interview on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, said the federal government had “not lived up to its expectations” when it came to making coronavirus tests available. Mr. Cuomo of New York, a Democrat and a frequent critic of the president, has described the administration’s response as “bad government and poor planning.”
One Republican governor, Larry Hogan of Maryland, mixed criticism and praise. Mr. Trump, he said on Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “hasn’t communicated the way I would and the way I might like him to.”One Republican governor, Larry Hogan of Maryland, mixed criticism and praise. Mr. Trump, he said on Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “hasn’t communicated the way I would and the way I might like him to.”
Mr. Hogan hastened to add that “the rest of the team has been doing a pretty good job.”Mr. Hogan hastened to add that “the rest of the team has been doing a pretty good job.”
On Wednesday, Michigan State University, Villanova, Notre Dame and Georgetown were among the latest universities to announce a shift to online instruction amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus.On Wednesday, Michigan State University, Villanova, Notre Dame and Georgetown were among the latest universities to announce a shift to online instruction amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus.
They join a growing list of universities and colleges across the country that have decided to employ such preventive measures, including U.C.L.A, Duke, Harvard, Ohio State, Seattle University, New York University, University of California, Berkeley, the University of Washington, Stanford, M.I.T., Columbia, Princeton and Rice.They join a growing list of universities and colleges across the country that have decided to employ such preventive measures, including U.C.L.A, Duke, Harvard, Ohio State, Seattle University, New York University, University of California, Berkeley, the University of Washington, Stanford, M.I.T., Columbia, Princeton and Rice.
Isabella Kwasnik, a senior at Harvard College, said the move was startling. “You spend four years at a university, and you work incredibly hard and expect that at the end you can tie a bow on it and wrap it up,” she said.Isabella Kwasnik, a senior at Harvard College, said the move was startling. “You spend four years at a university, and you work incredibly hard and expect that at the end you can tie a bow on it and wrap it up,” she said.
“But there’s this unexpected outcome,” she added. “It’s just a logistical and emotional nightmare.”“But there’s this unexpected outcome,” she added. “It’s just a logistical and emotional nightmare.”
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said that three officers working at Mineta San Jose International Airport had tested positive for the new coronavirus.The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said that three officers working at Mineta San Jose International Airport had tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The T.S.A. said in a statement that the officers were receiving medical treatment and all other employees who came into contact with them were being quarantined for two weeks at home. The statement did not say what interactions the officers may have had with the public.The T.S.A. said in a statement that the officers were receiving medical treatment and all other employees who came into contact with them were being quarantined for two weeks at home. The statement did not say what interactions the officers may have had with the public.
The agency, which was created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and manage security at airports and other transit points, said it was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to monitor the health and safety of its employees and the traveling public.The agency, which was created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and manage security at airports and other transit points, said it was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to monitor the health and safety of its employees and the traveling public.
The county’s public health department has reported at least 45 cases confirmed cases; it was not immediately clear if the agents were included in that number.The county’s public health department has reported at least 45 cases confirmed cases; it was not immediately clear if the agents were included in that number.
At least one person in the county, a woman in her 60s who had chronic health conditions, has died after contracting the virus.At least one person in the county, a woman in her 60s who had chronic health conditions, has died after contracting the virus.
Elizabeth Dias, Vanessa Swales, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Richard Fausset, Megan Specia, Kate Taylor, Sheri Fink and Mike Baker contributed reporting. Reporting was contributed by Vanessa Swales, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Richard Fausset, Megan Specia, Kate Taylor, Sheri Fink and Mike Baker.