Gavin Newsom on Monday released guidelines for reopening houses of worship amid the coronavirus pandemic, after President Trump deemed them “essential” last week. Under the governor’s guidelines, churches and other houses of worship can reopen if they are given approval from county health officials, but must limit attendance to 25 percent of capacity or 100 people, whichever is less. NEWSOM LETS MORE BUSINESSES REOPEN AMID CORONAVIRUS, AFTER REVEALING STAGGERING BUDGET DEFICITThe guidelines recommended visible markings to encourage social distancing or possibly seating congregants in alternating rows. In three weeks, the Department of Health will assess the impact of reopening houses of worship on the spread of coronavirus, officials said. In deeming houses of worship essential on Friday, Trump threatened to override governors who did not allow them to reopen.

Source: Fox News May 25, 2020 19:52 UTC