With the emphasis on social distancing and a limit on mass gathering as precautions for COVID-19, Holy Week presents a special challenge because of additional church services and the significance of Easter Sunday which is usually one of the largest attended services at most churches.

Local health officials as well as Gov. Mike DeWine have advised all churches to cancel traditional Holy Week services and instead conduct services online or at drive-in gatherings where parishioners stay in their vehicles while listening to the sermon.

Knox County officials are especially mindful of how the religious holiday can impact a disease outbreak. It was just six years ago that Easter Sunday services in the Knox County Amish community spurred an outbreak of measles. At the time, it was the largest outbreak of measles in 20 years affecting more than 200 individuals. (read more)