What the Public Health Orders say about worship gatherings

The new health orders have been signed, highlighting what places of worship are allowed to do in person under the reopenings

The latest round of Public Health Orders, starting Friday, allows places of worship to have in-person gatherings, up to 10 per cent capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower. The capacity limit is for the entire building, not for individual rooms in the building.

The orders say facilities must "ensure that persons attending a service are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least two metres from other persons at the service, other than persons who reside at the same residence."

Outdoor drive-in religious gatherings are permitted without a maximum gathering size as long the vehicles only contain household members and no one exits their vehicles.

Weddings and funerals can have up to 10 people, excluding the photographer/videographer and officiant.  Two-metre distancing between attendees is required. 

Food banks and other goods can be given in-person to people in need. Staff and volunteers must maintain a two-metre distancing from others. 

Places of worship can continue to hold self-help groups pertaining to addictions or other health concerns. A  maximum of 25 per cent capacity or 15 people, whichever is lower, is expected. There must be two metres between each attendee. Other social services, such as giving "necessities of life" like shelter, food, or protection can continue to operate.