The United States Is In A Dilemma Between Religious Activity Or Health

JAKARTA - A person in California, United States (US), is known to have contracted COVID-19 and is estimated to have exposed the virus to 180 people. It is known that he previously performed religious services on Mother's Day.

Reporting from CNN, Monday, May 18, the person received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 a day after providing services and is now in an isolation room. Congregations attending the service have been informed of their high probability of contracting the coronavirus.

They were instructed by health workers to carry out self-quarantine. Authorities are working on testing everyone present at the service.

The incident highlights the tug-of-war that is ongoing between several religious organizations and public officials as they work to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"At this time organizations that hold private services or gatherings are putting the health and safety of their congregations, the general public and our local capabilities at great risk," said Butte County Public Health Director Danette York, who appealed to everyone to comply with mitigation efforts.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order also includes banning any gatherings and has been in place since March. Meanwhile, the US has lifted some restrictions and is reopening gradually. Religious gatherings remained banned until a later stage.

The disagreement over whether religious groups should be allowed to meet amid the pandemic has led to several legal battles between religious leaders and public officials who expressed concern that religious services could exacerbate the virus problem.

In one case in Sacramento County last month, 71 people connected to a church became infected with COVID-19. Three pastors and a church member sued Governor Newsom and other officials claiming their orders abused power and deprived California of "basic rights" guaranteed by the US and the state constitution, including freedom of religion.

A judge in North Carolina issued a ruling allowing temporary indoor worship services to be performed. This was put in place after a lawsuit for denying North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's executive order that it violates constitutional rights.

Meanwhile North Carolina began relaxing restrictions on activity under a three-phase reopening plan starting May 8. In the first phase, meetings are limited to 10 people, including indoor services. There will be no restrictions on outdoor worship services but participants must follow the physical distancing rules as much as possible.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for May 29, but Cooper's side said it would not appeal the decision.

Another US District Court judge this week rejected Louisiana Pastor Tony Spell's request for a temporary restraining order that would protect him from being arrested or fined for continuing to serve.

Spell repeatedly violated orders by holding services and refusing to limit the number of congregants, not practicing social distancing, and discouraging churchgoers from wearing masks. In March, Baton Rouge police rewarded Spell with six counts of violating Governor John Bel Edwards' orders.