In a press release sent late Saturday afternoon, Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deb McMahon ordered all Allen County churches to remain closed on Sunday, regardless of whether they meet in a church building or in another location.
The order grew out of concerns over the rising numbers of individuals testing positive for the coronavirus COVID-19 in Allen County and other Indiana counties. As of Saturday evening, 126 Hoosiers have tested positive for the virus, which is now a global pandemic.
A fourth individual died from the virus, a 60-year-old man in Delaware County. Eight-hundred and thirty three tests have been administered so far.
Northeast Indiana has positive tests results in Allen, Noble, Wells and Adams counties.
According to the health department's order, multiple small groups at any venue must not reach a total of 10 people or more.
Health Department officials said that they learned that area religious communities were hoping to gather in small, seperate groups for Bible studies or modified services.
The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, March 22 and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. April 11, or until it is "extended, rescinded, superceded or amended in writing by the health commissioner."
