Fischer explains why he doesn't want to see drive-in religious services during Easter, Passover

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said Tuesday that "with a heavy heart" he will not allow drive-in religious services during this week of Passover and Easter.

"This is a big sacrifice for people of faith," he said. "This coronavirus does not care about traditions. It does not care about faith."

This week, those of the Jewish faith will celebrate Passover, which begins Wednesday evening, and Christians are celebrating Holy Week ahead of Easter on Sunday. 

But communal Seder meals, church celebrations and group Easter egg hunts can't happen, Fischer said, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect and kill Kentuckians. 

"I can't think really of a more painful irony than good people dying because they contracted a virus from a loved one of theirs over a day of Easter to celebrate life and rebirth," Fischer. 

Fischer said Louisville is in a different position than most other places in the state, given it is densely populated as an urban center.

"It's not really practical or safe to accommodate drive-up services taking place in our community," he said. 

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Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Monday news conference that he supports leaders across the state who aren't allowing drive-in style services. 

"This is not the time to put large numbers of people in the same space," Fischer said. "That would just create a tinder box for the virus. It creates way too many opportunities for people to contract the disease."

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The mayor called on faith leaders to not put their congregants at risk and asked those who belong to a church that is defying Fischer's request to contact their minister or the city's 311 line. 

Reporter Matthew Glowicki can be reached at mglowicki@courierjournal.com, 502-582-4989 or on Twitter @mattglo. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/mattg.