HAPEVILLE, Ga. — As the numbers for COVID19 infections continue to climb across the city and the state, many organizations have struggled with how to stay connected to the public.
Arguably, no organization has struggled with that more than places of worship. As new procedures and guidelines are being enacted on an almost daily basis, churches of all denominations have been instructed to adhere to the "no public gatherings" rule that limits no groups of people larger than 10 people.
While social distancing and other safety measures have been effective in locations like supermarkets and restaurants, unfortunately, many of the large outbreaks across our nation and state are directly linked to places of worship and similar gatherings.
For instance, Bartow County has become one of the epicenters of the Coronavirus outbreak in Georgia, third-highest in the state to exact behind Fulton and Cobb.
Bartow, which only has a population of 106,000 people, has attributed a great number of their recent cases to their local churches.
However, in Hapeville, places of worship such as The Village were quick to shutter their doors when news of the Coronavirus first began to hit.
“I remember waking up on the Monday after the first Sunday that we didn't have church, and I felt a weight that I never felt before. I think it was a sense of knowing that there are going to be people in our church that this is going to be devastating," The Village Church pastor, Ray D. Waters said.
A pastor from a Tampa Bay church was even arrested this week for violating the Hillsborough County's order prohibiting large gatherings and social distancing due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Maybe on the other side of this, we will be a better society, a more loving society, and an empathetic society. At least, we're sure hoping that that could be the case," Waters added.
As many church leaders have struggled to seek out alternative methods for Sunday services, many including The Village have turned to online and social media to stay connected.
For more information about upcoming events at The Village Church, visit their website.
11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information.