Stockton church moves mass back outdoors as COVID-19 cases increase

Under the shade, masked and outside is where the congregation of Misión Latina Luterana of Greater Stockton conducts mass. "We decided to take the service outdoors, given the fact that according to the CDC and the scientific knowledge we have so far about the virus, it's safer to be outdoors," said Reverend Nelson Rabell-Gonzalez, of Misión Latina Luterana of Greater Stockton. Rabell-Gonzalez said the decision was only made recently. "At heart, what the pastor, any religious leader wants to do is protect their flock," Rabell-Gonzalez said. As of Aug. 4 in San Joaquin County, 124 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19, compared to 89 patients just a week before, according to the state's latest data. See more above.