Governor details rules for drive-in religious services

OLYMPIA — As part of the first phase of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan to reopen Washington, drive-in spiritual services are permitted, according to a memo released Wednesday by his office.

According to the directions, each vehicle may only be occupied by members of the same household, and attendees must stay in their vehicle for the duration of the service. Also, vehicle windows, sunroofs and convertible tops must remain closed during the service, unless the vehicle is parked six feet away from others. No more than 10 people are allowed in one vehicle.

Employees and employers must follow the current Washington Department of Health, Washington Department of Labor and Industries, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the memo stated. No food, beverages or other materials — for religious or secular purposes — are allowed to be distributed or collected before, after or during the service.

Organizers are allowed to set up a drop-box to collect offerings before or after the service as long as vehicles and individuals remain six feet apart, the memo continued. The memo stated that online donations work best.