The Latest: Federal judge allows in-person services in Ky.

The Latest: Federal judge allows in-person services in Ky.

SeattlePI.com

Published

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

TOP OF THE HOUR:

— Federal judge deals blow to Kentucky's ban on mass gatherings

— Pakistan begins lifting weeks-long lockdown despite another big jump in virus cases

— South Korea reports 18 new cases of coronavirus, partly connected to clubgoers

— Kim sends Putin letter on WWII anniversary and for virus fight

— Hawaii reports no new virus cases for the first time in nearly two months

— Louisiana to hire at least 250 contact tracers.

___

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A federal court has halted the Kentucky governor’s temporary ban on mass gatherings from applying to in-person religious services.

The temporary restraining order issued Friday prevents Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration from enforcing the ban on mass gatherings at “any in-person religious service which adheres to applicable social distancing and hygiene guidelines.”

The ruling sided with the Tabernacle Baptist Church, but applies statewide. Two other federal judges had previously ruled the ban was constitutional. But also on Friday, one of those judges in a separate order granted Maryville Baptist Church an injunction allowing in-person services at that specific church.

Beshear had previously announced that places of worship could hold in-person services starting May 20, as part of a broader plan to gradually reopen the state’s economy. Earlier Friday, he outlined reopening requirements, including limiting attendance at in-person services to 33% of building occupancy capacity.

Beshear’s office had not...

Full Article