Coronavirus Palm Beach County update: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that the ’government does not have the authority to close a church.’

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ruling that residents are allowed to attend “religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship” during the 30-day lockdown is a door that some fear has dangerously been left open for potential spread of the coronavirus.

DeSantis said services could still be held in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes a call for social distancing.

>>Want Coronavirus news as it happens? Sign up for our Breaking News Coronavirus email

Michigan, New Mexico, Delaware, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia also allowed some exemption for houses of worship.

The governor’s language comes days before the start of the Christian Holy Week and a week before the eight-day Passover celebration begins. Ramadan starts later this month.

Palm Beach County officials have not restricted religious activities but they are continuing to emphasize CDC guidelines - including an ask from County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay that religious leaders in her district conduct services online.

City officials also are urging people to follow health officials’ instructions. “I worry that somebody is going to contract this virus unnecessarily,” said Omari Hardy, a Lake Worth Beach commissioner.

“Even if you have a pastor that insists on violating the CDC guidelines, the parishioners need to make a common sense decision and stay home,” Hardy said before DeSantis’ order.

Hardy said, too, that “churches should not make themselves available” for large gatherings.

Many places of worship had already been abiding by general suggestions to not congregate.

But in Hardy’s municipality of Lake Worth Beach, a church drew complaints this week for appearing to hold packed services Sunday - even as calls for social distance had loudened and coronavirus confirmations climbed.

“We’re not here to cause disorder,” said Marc Laurore, an associate pastor at Church of God Elected in Lake Worth Beach. “We’re only here to pray and ask God for forgiveness to have this thing pass ... to give them wisdom and knowledge to find a cure.”

Laurore added, “as a church, we are essential to what’s going on,” and pointed to Wednesday’s executive order from the governor.

The church got pushback but according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, an official of the church has agreed to livestream Sunday’s service.

Laurore said the church is complying with officials’ guidelines and held its first streaming service Wednesday.

>>COVID-19 stats made simple

>>Readers tell us how they are coping day to day

A handful of residents on social media had implored the church to stop holding what looked to be in-person services: “Everybody needs their sacrifice,” said Walt Braithwaite, a Lake Worth resident. “It has to do with just being responsible and just getting through this as a community.”

Braithwaite said he did not intend to attack the church but was upset that such services could place first responders, medical professionals and their families at risk.

>>My husband survived COVID-19. ‘And it was one hell of a ride’

>>Deaths projected to hit 6,766 by August, analysis says

Days earlier, The River of Tampa Bay Church held two Sunday services that reeled in close to 500 megachurch goers despite county orders. Rodney Howard-Browne, the church’s pastor, turned himself in to authorities on Monday and public backlash spiraled.

Browne was charged with misdemeanor counts of unlawful assembly and violation of a Hillsborough County order.

>>Higher numbers have southern Palm Beach County cities on edge

>>Paramedic distancing efforts anger patient with virus symptoms

At least one church in Boynton Beach received a reminder from authorities to follow guidelines, City Manager Lori LaVerriere said. But she added, “Are we actively going around knocking on church’s doors? Of course not.”

In West Palm Beach, police have not needed to remind places of worship about CDC guidelines, according to the department. Boca Raton police have deferred that contact to the city.

Already for many places of worship in the county, changes are in place: Passover Seders are suspended and the Diocese of Palm Beach announced that on Palm Sunday there will be livestream masses but no distribution of palms.

The Islamic Center of Boca Raton started calling off programming about halfway through March and suspended the five daily prayers starting March 28.

Public worship at First United Methodist Church Jupiter-Tequesta also is suspended, including its drive-in services. And Sunlight Community Church’s Pastor Kris Vos said his church is no longer meeting, but now, something is missing.

“I really believe being part of a worship service in a community is life changing,” Vos said. “To not have that anymore leaves a huge hole.”

Palm Beach Post Staff Reporter Hannah Morse contributed to this report.