(CNN) The Department of Justice said it expects to take action next week regarding the impact social distancing regulations are having on religious institutions across the country.

Attorney General William Barr "is monitoring (government) regulation of religious services," said Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec on Twitter late Saturday. "While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly (and) not single out religious orgs."

Kupec said to "expect action" from DOJ this week, but it's not clear what action the department may take. The department can bring lawsuits against municipalities or join legal challenges brought by churches. But courts already are dealing with the issue.

Kupec, in the tweet, did not provide additional details on what specific action the department is planning.

While many states have implemented "stay-at-home" orders, a dozen or so states have made exceptions for some form of religious gatherings.

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