Compton Pastor Ron C. Hill says he’ll be guided by the Holy Spirit on when to reopen his church, not by California’s governor, who ordered churches to close in March as part of the state’s stay-at-home COVID-19 restrictions.

On Monday, May 25, Newsom responded to the controversy by issuing new guidelines for churches to safely hold in-person services.

The rules posted on the governor’s website say churches must:

-Put a social distancing plan in place

-Limit attendance to 25 percent of building capacity or 100 people, whichever is lower

-Employees and volunteers must use face coverings

-Churches should prop or hold doors open during peak periods when people are entering and exiting facilities

-Houses of worship should close children’s play areas

Newsom’s new guidelines also say houses of worship should get approval from their county health departments before they resume services.

In a news release, Mendocino County health officials said at least nine people contracted COVID-19 in connection with the service at the Assembly of God Church in Redwood Valley.

Meanwhile in Butte County, also in Northern California, health officials said 180 people were exposed after an infected person attended a Mother’s Day service at an unidentified church.