Boone County churches following new guidelines from recent county order

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County churches have to follow new guidelines spelled out in the county's COVID-19 order that was released last week.

According to the order, churches and spiritual organizations are allowed to reopen but must follow social distancing guidelines.

The guidelines for churches are similar to rules other businesses have to follow. Churches smaller than 10,000 square feet can operate at 25% of the occupancy capacity. Locations larger than 10,000 square feet can operate with 10% of the occupancy capacity.

Capacity is based on the fire code occupancy limit, according to the order.

The occupancy capacity of each room where an assembly takes place will be calculated separately. Gatherings must meet occupancy limits for each room, not the facility as a whole, the order said.

A member of The Crossing in Columbia said the church is still working on a plan and does not plan to open for at least another week.

Tom Leuther, a spokesman at Family Worship Center in Columbia, said seating was moved per social distancing guidelines. He added the church has ordered hand sanitizer.

Leuther said church services will be aired on the radio and held on Facebook as well.