This is what pavilion services have looked like in the past. Paul Goldfinger photo 2009. ©
This past Saturday we passed the boardwalk pavilion where a crowded religious service had just broken up. Is that venue indoors or outdoors? I think it is indoors.
Recently the CMA asked the Governor to permit more than the allowed 100 participants to attend services indoors at the Great Auditorium, with masks and distancing. But a recent surge in virus cases made that impossible.
The newest guidelines offer some changes. If someone has an indoors event, they can allow 25% of the capacity or 25 people whichever is less.
But when it comes to “religious” events, the indoors rule is 25% of capacity with a number of 100, whichever is less, as it is now; so no change in the Auditorium
And then there is another regulation which might be tempting for the CMA: An outdoors religious event can have up to 500 people or more. Will we be seeing huge beach services as occurred at the turn of the 20th century–we have seen old photographs?
Here is from NJ.gov
While services can resume, houses of worship must comply with the limits on indoor gatherings. Weddings, funerals, memorial services, and religious and political activities protected under the First Amendment must be limited to 100 people or 25% of a room’s capacity — whichever number is lower. All attendees at indoor gatherings must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart.
Outdoor religious services are exempt from the limit on outdoor gatherings and can exceed the normal outdoor capacity of 500 people. For more information, refer to Executive Order No. 161.
KARL JENKINS. “Benedictus”. 2CELLOS.