CA Mask Exemptions For Houses of Worship 12/19/20

Now that California has allowed churches to resume indoor worship, keep in mind that the state order specifically mentions face mask exemptions in the order. Most churches and priests, who seem so eager to follow orders of the state,, 🙄😒have no clue about this, so if you have an exemption, you can tell them to actually read what they're enforcing.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻⛪😇

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX F: Reopening Protocol for Places of Worship Page 1 of 10
Revised 12/19/2020
Protocol for Places of Worship: Appendix F

This protocol provides guidance for Places of Worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies (referred to collectively as “Places of Worship”) to support a lower risk environment for employees, interns and trainees, volunteers, scholars, and all other types of workers (referred to collectively as “staff”) as well as congregants, worshippers, visitors, etc. (referred to collectively as “visitors” or “congregants”). Places of Worship must also be in compliance with the conditions laid out in this Protocol for Places of Worship.
Please note: This Protocol does not obligate Places of Worship to resume any in-person activity. Further, it is strongly recommended that Places of Worship continue to facilitate outdoor or remote services and other related activities for all attendees, especially those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 including older adults and those with co-morbidities, given the increased risk of community transmission of COVID-19 resulting from the unprecedented surge of new daily cases, hospitalizations, and premature deaths. This Protocol is not intended for food preparation and service, delivery of items to those in need, childcare and daycare services, school and educational activities, in-home caregiving, counseling, office work, and other activities that places and organizations of worship may provide. Those activities must follow specific guidance and protocols provided by the State and County Department of Public Health. Recent Updates (Changes highlighted in yellow): 12/19/2020:

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/reopening-la.htm#worship

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/protocols/Reopening_PlacesofWorship.pdf

Excerpts:

Page 8 12/19/20

Visitors arriving at the establishment are reminded to wear a face covering at all times while in the Place of Worship or on the grounds of the Place of Worship. This applies to all adults and to children 2 years of age and older. Only individuals who have been instructed not to wear a face covering by their medical provider are exempt from wearing one. To support the safety of your employees and other visitors, a face covering should be made available to visitors who arrive without them.

❑ Signs in visible locations are used to remind visitors that face coverings are required during services and celebrations except for children under age 2 or others with impaired breathing or other at-risk conditions.

❑ Signs in visible locations prohibit visitors from engaging in handshakes, hugs, or similar greetings that pose infection risk. ✅

Page 8/10 of Appendix F dated 12/19/20 states:

"Please review the State Industry Guidance for Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies here."

✅ COVID-19 INDUSTRY GUIDANCE: Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies July 29, 2020 covid19.ca.gov

Businesses that are open to the public should be cognizant of the exemptions to wearing face coverings in the CDPH Face Covering Guidance and may not exclude any member of the public for not wearing a face covering if that person is complying with the guidance. Businesses will need to develop policies for handling these exemptions among customers, clients, visitors, and workers.