(INDIANAPOLIS) – Christian Holy Week poses special challenges as Hoosiers try to maintain social
distancing.
Governor Holcomb’s stay-at-home order last month directed churches to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people. That basically canceled in-person services. With Easter coming up, those limits are especially trying, with Maundy Thursday communion services followed by Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Holcomb applauds churches which have improvised by implementing live streams or drive-thru communion. He notes the Gospels recount Jesus telling his apostles that he’s present “wherever two or three are gathered in my name.” And Holcomb says in the midst of a pandemic, it’s an act of service to protect others’ lives by continuing the measures designed to slow the virus’s spread.
Holcomb and state health commissioner Kristina Box say even drive-thru communion needs to follow distancing rules, with prepackaged communion, not priests or ministers handling the cups themselves. And they remind worshipers to stay in their cars, not get out and mingle.
“This isn’t a tailgate,” Holcomb says.
The state is also stepping up enforcement of the order to nonessential businesses to shut down. Deputy general counsel Cindy Carrasco says her office has received complaints every day since Holcomb announced Monday the state would take firmer action.
Carrasco says teams have investigated more than 200 complaints, and about two-thirds of them really were essential businesses. But the state has warned 80 businesses to close their doors. If they don’t comply on their own, Carrasco says the state will return with cease-and-desist orders.
