CDC Faith based recommendation changes
The recommendations posted here: https:/www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/faith-based.html were updated. This is a documentation of the changes.
Summary of changes:
Short summary:
- Added mention First Amendment & RFRA
- Removed 5 suggestions for virtual events
- Removed specifics, including suggestion for type of cleaning agents, 2 suggestions about length of time to wait between exposure & cleaning (24 hours), suggestion against implementing lines, suggestion against using shared cups, suggestion against choirs / singing
- Removed recommendation to encourage any one else using the facilities to follow these considerations.
Extended summary:
- Added language regarding the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993
- Removed line suggesting providing congregants with spiritual and emotional care and counseling on a flexible or virtual basis or refer them to other sourcesfor counseling and support if necessary
- Removed line suggesting "Use products that meet EPA disinfection criteriaexternal icon." for disinfecting
- Removed mention of cloth masks and the suggestion to eliminate lines or queues.
- Removed suggestion to add additional services to weekly schedule and consider video streaming or drive-in options
- Removed suggestion to suspend choir / musical ensembles along with the warning that the act of singing may contribute to the transmission of COVID-19
- Removed recommendation for cleargy to hold virtual visits
- Removed specific mention of shared cups in list of things to avoid sharing between congregants
- Removed recommondation to consider virtual activities for youth groups
- Removed recommendation to wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting if an area is known to have a COVID-19 exposure
- Removed recommendation to encourage any organization that shares the facilities to also follow the considerations
- Removed suggestion to continue providing congregants with spiritual or emotional care on a flexible or virtual basis
- Removed another mention of waiting 24 hours before cleaning if there is a known COVID-19 exposure
Coverage in media
Washington Post: White House and CDC remove coronavirus warnings about choirs in faith guidance