St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz issued a set of safety reminders about COVID-19, but ended the news release with a plea with to clergy and businesses to abide by a 10-person attendance mandate.
Gov. John Bel Edwards included the crowd size restriction in a proclamation issued to slow the spread of the coronovirus.
“There are many religious programs on television, radio, and other meaning full methods to honor and pray to our God. As I believe, and do many of you, God is a loving and forgiving God. I truly believe our Lord will not hold it against us if we don’t go to a brick and mortar structure to worship in this crisis. My plea to you is to unite and stand together,” he stated.
“It could be 3-4 weeks before the threat of the Covid19 virus begins to diminish, maybe longer. That means it is up to all responsible citizens and elected officials to do our part to protect our families, friends, and community, Guidroz stated.
The current situation has become so serious that I must intervene as the chief law-enforcement officer of the parish, he stated.
“As an elected official, I am constantly reminded of my duties and obligations to follow the oath I was administered almost 14 years ago, that is to protect and serve the people I represent to the best of my knowledge and ability. I am duty bound and passionate about my commitment to obey and administer the law throughout the parish fairly to all citizens regardless of their standing in the parish of St. Landry,” he stated.
“There are many no-cost technological solutions available to broadcast church services on social media. Upon the suggestion of my IT administrator, Shane Garrard, we are happy to offer help and guidance to the religious community to setup these services so that we can safely practice our faith,” he stated.
“To those in the business community and all members of the clergy; please do not force me to arrest any of you for non-compliance of the governor’s order regarding the safe guards he outlined in his proclamation. We will get through this quicker and safer if we all do as we are asked to do,” Guidroz stated.
Guidroz also offered safety measures about the virus.
Keep the 6-foot distance rule in mind at home and in the public;
Avoid crowds of 10 or more people;
Wash your hands regularly with soap and hand sanitizer;
Remove your shoes, boots, footwear etc. upon entering your home;
If you have been in the public among many people, upon returning home, immediately wash all clothes worn;
When out in the public for survival necessities, food, fuel and medicine, remember to wear protective gloves as much as possible. Be mindful that many people handle and touch your grocery bags, medicine packages, mail and delivery packages;
Sanitize your vehicle door handles, steering wheel, radio and air control knobs and vehicle keys; and
Be mindful of how many people touch gas pump nozzles, money, business door handles and cash receipts.