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Few churches meeting in person this week due to coronavirus outbreak

Many churches shift to online services.

STONECREST, Ga. — Less than 24 hours ago, Gov. Brian Kemp placed the state of Georgia under a public health emergency and is encouraging social distancing as the coronavirus spreads.

It's also Sunday -- a day when many people from different faiths attend worship services.

While some churches and religious groups have gathered this Sunday, many others have decided not to.

The majority of churches in metro Atlanta have either opted not to meet at all or to stream their services online.

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest is one of the few churches that we have discovered that has opened their doors for regular services on Sunday.

However, they have also taken measures to ensure the safety of the members of their congregation.

RELATED: Real-time updates: Coronavirus in Georgia

They have placed hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the sanctuary.

New Birth's Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant is also encouraging social distancing for those in attendance and made some changes to portions of the service, including not having members hug their neighbors.

Although the church is holding regular services on Sunday, it will be the last one for the next couple of weeks. Starting with the midweek service, New Birth will be streaming their services online. This also goes for their Sunday service next week.

Church leadership says they will assess the situation and will determine how they will proceed going forward. 

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