RELIGIOUS SERVICES RESUME WITH SAFETY MEASURES

[Anchor Lead]

Churches and Buddhist temples across the nation have resumed Sunday services, as quarantine authorities scaled back social distancing in response to an evident drop in COVID-19 infections. But the places of worship remain on alert: seats were arranged to maintain a safe distance between worshipers, while hymns were not sung at Catholic churches. Here is more.

[Pkg]

Jogyesa Temple in Seoul resumed its Sunday service after a two-month suspension. Before entering the main hall, worshipers' temperatures are checked. They're also required to sanitize their hands and record their personal information.

[Soundbite] HEO KYUNG-OK(BUDDHIST FOLLOWER) : "I came here for the first time in months. I could not attend the service since the COVID-19 outbreak began. I came to celebrate Buddha's birthday in advance."

The number of seats were reduced to a third of the usual, as they were arranged in a way to provide the safe distance of over one meter between worshipers. In order to help prevent a second COVID-19 wave, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism postponed celebrations marking Buddha's birthday by a month. It plans to hold a meeting praying for the nation to overcome the current crisis.

[Soundbite] "Those with registration cards, please enter!"

Large churches restarted off-line services, ending a two-month suspension. Worshipers are allowed to enter the premise only after getting their parishioner registration cards scanned. They have to wear face masks during the service. Up to three people can seat on each pew. At this church, as many as 12,000 worshipers usually participate in Sunday services. However, only 1,200 people, a tenth of the usual number, were allowed in yesterday. Myeongdong Cathedral resumed Masses on April 23rd. One hour before the Mass, body temperature checks are conducted and admission tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

[Soundbite] SEO JUSTINA(CATHOLIC FOLLOWER) : "I arrived here earlier than usual, as it's a first-come-first-served basis. I received the ticket after recording my baptismal name and phone number, like this."

Changes were made in the mass, to comply with quarantine guidelines.

[Soundbite] "Please maintain a safe distance from one another when you come forward to make offerings."

Religious organizations reopened their doors on Sunday after holding online services for weeks. However, they remained on high alert and things looked quite different due to COVID-19.