Religious and Funeral Services: NY Forward Guidelines

Please click on the links below for summary guidelines, detailed guidelines and the business safety plan template for holding religious and funeral services in New York State.

View Summary Guidelines

Read and Affirm Detailed Guidelines

Print Business Safety Plan Template

The following resources are meant to assist Houses of Worship in adhering to the NY Forward guidelines and transitioning into this new period of holding religious services amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Proper Hygiene Poster

This poster should be printed and posted throughout your facility to remind individuals to practice proper hygiene.

Proper Hygiene Poster

Poster in Alternative Languages

Church Health Screening Questionnaire

Here's a sample template of health screening questions to ask church employees and visitors upon entrance. The template is provided by the Upper New York Conference United Methodist Church.

Health Screening Questionnaire

Guide for Developing an Emergency Operations Plan

This guide was issued specifically for Houses of Worship by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Guide for Developing Emergency Operation Plans

Face Cover Ordering

Here is a guide issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the use of face coverings and includes an order form for bulk purchasing.

Order Face Coverings

Examples of Reopening Plans from Religious Organizations in New York

These reopening plans may help you develop your own communication plans for employees, volunteers, or congregants that includes a consistent means to provide staff members with information. Please note that these are only examples and that every organization is required to adhere to the health and safety guidelines issued by the State of New York.

• New York United Methodist Reopening Guidelines
• Reopening and Reentry Guide for Jewish Organizations in New York
• United Church of Christ New York Conference reopening guidelines
• Reopening guidelines from Members of the New York State Council of Churches:
  • ABC Rochester/Genesee
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Central NY
  • Upstate NY Synod ELCA COVID-19 Guidelines
  • Upper New York Conference United Methodist Church Reopening Guidelines
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Western NY COVID-19 Updates and Guidelines

COVID-19 General Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• CDC Communities, Schools, Workplaces and Events
• New York State Department of Health
• Frequently Asked Questions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Mental Health Guide

The Department of Health and Human Services launched a new resource guide, Compassion in Action: A Guide for Faith Communities Serving People Experiencing Mental Illness and their Caregivers, which provides a starting point for faith leaders to address mental illness for those in their congregation and community.

Free Support Hotlines

New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services.