Holiday celebrations look different under 'stay at home' order

On the morning of Good Friday, church parking lots are typically full of cars, and pews are full of people worshipping together.

But today, church parking lots will be empty, as congregations gather online for Good Friday services.

With nearly 500 complaints of people gathering in Wake County alone since the 'stay at home' order began, Governor Cooper has continued to stress now is not the time for mass gatherings.

Since then, churches have had to hold services online, either live or recorded. Today, this includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

In Durham, Mayor Steve Schewel echoed that same message: Stay home.

“We know we can’t be together in places of worship like we usually are, but we can participate in virtual services and share our spiritual strength that way," he said.

He said he looks forward to participating in a zoom Passover service with his family all across the country.

Some Good Friday services will be broadcast on WRAL2 this morning starting at 11 a.m. with Hope Community Church.