People Can Attend Houses of Worship in Person During Pandemic: Texas Attorney General

A parishioner lifts his hands in prayer during a Sunday morning service at City On A Hill Church in Houston, Texas on April 5, 2020. Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

Texas officials released updated guidance this week stating residents can attend events at churches, mosques, and other houses of worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local governments cannot force the houses of worship to close, according to the guidance (pdf), which was issued by Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.