“We recognize that Easter is one of the most significant religious holidays of the year and that not gathering together in person to celebrate the day will be a difficult sacrifice for church members to make,” said ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson. “However, with church events in Arkansas and elsewhere already linked to outbreaks of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new strain of coronavirus, the risk of further spread is too great.”

Dr. Thompson said churches and other faith groups are encouraged to find alternatives to inperson gatherings.

“We’ve already seen some creative solutions enabling continued worship, such as holding driveup services, broadcasting services over the radio, and live-streaming services on Facebook,” he said.

Gov. Hutchinson has noted that most Arkansas churches are following recommendations for avoiding the spread of the virus. Dr. Thompson said the ACHI Health Policy Board commends those churches, but reports that some are still holding in-person gatherings prompted the board to issue a call for action.

“For the sake of slowing the spread of the virus and reducing loss of life, we ask that faith leaders cancel any plans for in-person gatherings this weekend and thereafter until health officials deem it safe for them to resume,” he said.

ACHI is a nonpartisan, independent health policy center that serves as a catalyst for improving the health of all Arkansans through evidence-based research, public issue advocacy, and collaborative program development. The Health Policy Board is its governing body.501-526-2244
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