Are drive-in Easter services safe during COVID-19 outbreak? The national debate grows

One of the holiest of Christian holidays is just days away, so there is a sense of urgency to the ongoing national debate over drive-in church services during the coronavirus outbreak.

Should they be allowed on Easter and, more importantly, are they safe?

Parking lot faith services have exploded in popularity in the past month, as congregations work to follow their faith without spreading a virus that has infected 1.6 million and killed more than 97,000 as of April 10, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Some communities have outlawed the services as too risky, only to reverse course days later.

That happened this week in Wilmington, North Carolina, where police said Wednesday that drive-in services were banned, then changed the stance a day later. It was a policy shift the department apparently made unwillingly, after talking with the governor’s office.

“It is the Governor’s interpretation of his own order that ‘drive-in’ worship services should be allowed if sufficient safety precautions are met,” the department posted on Facebook.

“Holding such services is against the advice of local health professionals. ...We strongly urge all churches and houses of worship to continue with virtual services, including for Easter.”

Conflicts have erupted elsewhere, including Greenville, Mississippi, where police have been accused of targeting outdoor services and allegedly “raided a drive-by church service Sunday and issued $500 fines to the entire congregation,” according to conservative radio host Todd Starnes.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers felt compelled this week to clarify his stance on drive-in services, and to point out that law enforcement is not targeting churches. Drive-in services are permitted, he said in a Facebook post.

“To be clear, we are not asking law enforcement to supervise or take enforcement steps against religious gatherings.” Evers posted.

Some communities have resorted to “Don’t Risk It” campaigns for the holiday, including church services and any other gatherings.

“We realize many people want to get together, despite the Governor’s Safer at Home order,” the town of Appleton, Wisconsin, wrote on Facebook. “But chances are your gathering will include some of the most vulnerable people for this virus. ... We’re urging you to cancel those plans.”

Backers of drive-in services have urged civil disobedience and lawsuits if governments interfere, while others have accused those congregations of creating an unnecessary community health risk.

“If we all refused to stay home they would not have enough police to make us. We must unify in every state and keep marching,” Tamara Wolverton wrote on Facebook in response to the reported service raid in Mississippi.

“I’m a pastor. Our church is staying home. Why wouldn’t people do this now, especially those who say God is everywhere?” Will Mowchan posted on the Wisconsin governor’s Facebook page. “When and only when health experts say it’s safe for groups any size, small or large, to be together again, we will resume meeting.”

In places where drive-in services are allowed, health officials are offering safety guidelines. Here are tips offered by Wilmington Police:

• All vehicles must be six feet away from other vehicles on sides.
• People must stay in their vehicles during the service.
• Only close family or members of a single household can be in the same vehicle at the service.
• Services should be limited to one hour to avoid people needing to get out for any reason, including restroom visits.
• No vehicles can block roads or sidewalks.