1. Last week an AEI poll found that *12%* of faith communities are worshipping as normal (in-person).

And the rationale for the media attention is pretty straightforward: it doesn’t take a ton of gatherings to infect an entire community.

Like, that’s how pandemics work. https://twitter.com/dandarling/status/1247326698166681600

2. Some argue that faith communities should be allowed to gather regardless, arguing they are just as “essential” as stores that remain open.

But opponents point to what are now multiple examples of COVID-19 outbreaks among faith communities that gather. https://religionnews.com/2020/04/03/with-coronavirus-infections-linked-to-religious-gatherings-debate-rages-over-worship-amid-pandemic/

3. Examples:

• Sacramento county, where 1/3 of COVID-19 cases are traced to religious gatherings—most from *one* community

• Multiple cases linked to a single NC church

• South Korea’s initial outbreak, where one faith group played a major role in the spread

4. Again, some argue this is a religious freedom issue and the churches should be left alone. This logic is part of why now *multiple* governors have now exempted religious groups from their stay-at-home/shelter-in-place orders.

But that won’t change the potential for outbreaks.

5. All that is to say: of COURSE stories should be written about faith communities embracing other forms of worship amid this pandemic (I have written such stories).

But given the massive risk to public health, it’s also arguably *crucial* that the press cover those that don’t.

6. Anyway, I wrote a giant piece about this on Friday and I would love it if you read it. https://religionnews.com/2020/04/03/with-coronavirus-infections-linked-to-religious-gatherings-debate-rages-over-worship-amid-pandemic/