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1. Are religious services and places of worship considered to be essential services or count towards essential travel?

Businesses defined in the Governor’s Order as essential businesses and operations do not include faith-based organizations or places of worship. The intent of the order is to limit gatherings of people and person-to-person contact in an effort to protect the health and safety of all Wisconsinites by slowing the spread of COVID-19. It is not a statement against the essential nature of faith and fellowship. Taking time at home to be mindful, meditate, and pray are great ways to practice spiritual beliefs individually or as a family. You can also safely view or listen to almost any form of religious services through television, radio, online video recordings, live streams, or podcasts. Speak to your religious or spiritual leaders to learn about other ways you can practice from your home.

2. Can our congregation gather in the church’s parking lot if we stay in our cars?

Wisconsin’s Safer at Home order does not allow for gatherings of more than 10 people in a confined space at a time.
Governor Evers April 9 Press Release does allow for religious services to be conducted via:

• Parking lots with congregants staying in cars, avoiding person-to-person contact;
• Streaming online; and
• Having small gatherings (fewer than 10 people in each room) with multiple services.

While an individual is safe in their car with the windows rolled up, it is extremely difficult to manage these types of gatherings. Areas such as parking lots also have limited access to restrooms, and participants may be tempted to get out of their cars to stretch and enjoy the weather, creating potential for the virus to spread through interaction. If you participate in any gatherings such as this, please be mindful to follow the Safer at Home guidelines including physical distancing of 6 feet and wearing of cloth face coverings.