PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is calling on religious leaders to opt for remote holiday services as COVID-19 cases continue to swell.
In a holiday message on Dec. 8, he urged leaders of all faiths to pursue alternatives to large in-person gatherings.
“I encourage religious leaders to think carefully about how to keep worshippers safe,” he said. “Consider virtual services to allow your congregants to join together and worship while staying safe at home.”
Wolf said he understands the hardships these decisions will cause, but the virus could quickly spread among congregants in close quarters.
“As a person of faith, I know how important it is to gather together to worship,” the governor continued. “But the best thing we can do to protect our friends and our neighbors this year is to worship at home for the holidays.”
Health authorities fear cases could explode after the holidays, overtaxing the state’s hospitals. By discouraging in-person worship services, they hope to prevent a potential surge.
Places of worship are exempt from current indoor gathering rules in Pennsylvania — no more than 10 people — but Wolf again urges the faith community to make the health and safety of others a priority.
“We all have to take precautions to keep ourselves and our families safe during this ongoing public health crisis,” he added. “To stay safe, we need to stay home this year.”