Newsom Says Restrictions On Churches Could Be Loosened

Gov. Gavin Newsom says he plans to loosen restrictions on churches and religious gatherings in the coming days.

He says he recognizes the importance of religion during the pandemic

"At a time of so much anxiety and uncertainty, faith and that devotion to something higher and better and bigger than yourself becomes even more pronounced and more profound and more important," he said at a press conference Friday.

The move comes after President Trump deemed houses of worship essential, and ordered states to let them reopen this weekend. Newsom declined to comment on pressures from the federal government to loosen the state order.

Meanwhile, over a thousand pastors in California have said they plan to defy the state’s order if restrictions on churches are not lifted by the end of the month.