"It is crucial that worshippers remember to follow health advice. This is particularly important for people with co-morbidities aged over 65 and people aged over 70."
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said places of worship will be asked to find alternatives to practices like group singing,sharing books and passing around the collection plate to reduce infection risks.
"Communal singing and chanting should not occur because of the high risk of transmission of the virus. Instead,measures such as one singer standing at least three metres away from others would be safer,"she said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said extensive COVID-19 outbreaks in places of worship and among choirs overseas highlighted the importance of the government’s cautious approach to easing restrictions.
"Sadly,we have seen many congregations of different faiths and denominations affected by COVID-19 overseas,"he said.