Guidelines for indoor worship include PCR test for performers

A 33rd Humboldt County resident has died with COVID-19, and 12 new cases of the virus were reported today. The total number of county residents who have tested positive now stands at 3,136.

The person who died was in their 80s. Humboldt County Public Health and Emergency Operations Center staff extend their condolences to the community member’s friends and family. 

The California Department of Public Health is releasing updates to its Places of Worship guidance following recent judicial rulings that allow indoor services with limited capacity. Humboldt County was reassigned today to the “Red” or Substantial tier under the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy.” Indoor capacity at Places of Worship remains at 25%.

The updated guidance focuses on safety measures for singing, chanting, playing wind instruments or engaging in similar indoor activities at Places of Worship. Under the Red tier, those include:

Face coverings are worn at all times. Physical distance from spectators, congregants and other performers is maintained at all times. Performers count toward the capacity limit.A negative PCR test 72 hours prior to the service is strongly encouraged. Ventilation is improved to the extent possible. 

For recorded performances intended for later use at a service or ceremony, performers may sing, chant or play wind instruments without a face covering if the following conditions are met:

Each performer has taken a PCR test and gotten a negative result 72 hours prior to the recording session.All performers maintain 6 feet of distance.Anyone else involved in the recording (i.e. videographer) wears face coverings at all times. 

Please note this guidance also applies to cultural ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but does not extend to restaurants or other business sectors. 

The CDPH website states the full guidance is “in the process of being updated.” To read current guidance for all tiers, go to covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/#worship and click on “Places of worship and cultural ceremonies.”

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.