A court hearing is set for Friday on a Ventura County church’s refusal to comply with coronavirus health safety orders. Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park has continued to hold indoor services, despite a ban on indoor gatherings designed to stop the spread of the virus.
The County got a restraining order against the church August 7th. But, the church has continued told hold Sunday services anyway. Church officials contend the coronavirus danger has been overblown. During the services, there was often no social distancing, and many people didn’t wear masks.
The County went back to court. But, a judge declined to order Sheriff’s deputies to enforce the order, noting that a full hearing on the issue is pending. The county is asking the court to consider contempt orders for violating the restraining order, and for fines to be issued.
A number of other churches in the county are complying with the ban on indoor gatherings by holding outdoor services, under tents.
