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The California Department of Public Health has announced the statewide reopening of places of worship for religious services and in-store retail shopping, including those establishments located within Tulare County. The newly released guidance includes required modifications to keep patrons safe and limit the spread of COVID-19.

“We encourage our local churches and retail stores to review these guidance documents and implement the recommended protocols and procedures in order to ensure the public’s health and safety,” stated Karen Elliott, Tulare County Director of Public Health.  

Places of Worship and Religious Services
Under the newly issued guidance, places of worship can hold religious services and funerals that limit attendance to 25% of building capacity – or up to 100 attendees, whichever is lower. The vast majority of large gatherings and events remain prohibited under the state's stay-at-home order until it is fully lifted in Stage Four of the Statewide Reopening Roadmap.

Under the guidance, health officials encourage religious organizations to continue online services and activities to protect individuals who are most at risk for COVID-19, including older adults and people with compromised immune systems or specific medical conditions. The full guidance document for religious services and cultural ceremonies can be viewed on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page at: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/

In-Store Retail Shopping Now Permissible
In addition, all retail stores previously closed are now eligible to reopen statewide for in-store shopping. The guidance for retailers can be viewed online, providing guidelines that help reduce the risk for workers and customers while in-store shopping occurs.

More information about the state's COVID-19 guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page. For more information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

Additional Resources for Employers and Businesses
To ensure the safety of our community while reopening, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency recommends the use of the comprehensive resources for employers and businesses looking to reopen:

• Tulare County COVID-19 Guide: Playbook for Reopening Your Business in the Age of COVID-19
• Cal/OSHA General Guidelines on Protecting Workers from COVID-19
• CDC Guidance for Communities of Faith
• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.tchhsa.org/ncov and www.covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov