Mayor and Governor ask churches to limit Easter contact

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The vast majority of churches on Easter Weekend are staying home during the Covid-19 outbreak.

But elected officials are asking for some holdouts to reconsider.

A pastor in Kentucky is defying orders from the local health department and even the governor to halt his planned Easter services. He’s vowing to refuse to pay any fines coming his way, also.

Governor Brian Kemp today called on Georgians to worship online.

“I greatly appreciate faith leaders across our state who have made the tough decision to stop the spread of COVID-19 by suspending in-person religious services. Their leadership is literally saving lives,” said Governor Kemp. “To all Georgians celebrating Easter this Sunday, I am pleading with you to not attend any services in person. If you attend worship services in person, you risk exposure to coronavirus – potentially endangering your life, the lives of your neighbors, and your loved ones. I know this decision is difficult, but we will get through this together.”

For drive-in services, law enforcement have received reports that people are not staying in their vehicles. For example, people will leave their cars to let their children play, go to nearby restrooms, or otherwise congregate.

In Chattanooga, Mayor Andy Berke echoed the concern about drive-in services.

“We respectfully ask that churches in our area not move forward with “drive-in” worship services or any other kind of public assembly. Allowing people to gather, even in their cars with the windows rolled up, will be considered a violation of our directives.”

Late Friday, the city also posted this show of support from pastors of local churches.