After the United States, another country ordered the opening of places of worship

Places of worship have been allowed to open in France since today after a two-month lockdown. However, worshipers must abide by a number of rules.

According to the BBC, the French Interior Ministry announced on Friday that worship services would be allowed, but participants would have to wash their hands before entering, wear face masks, and maintain a distance of two meters from everyone.

French authorities eased lockdown measures earlier this month but maintained a ban on worship services, which has been criticized by religious groups.

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump ordered state governors to open places of worship, saying they were "essential services.

He warned the governors that if they refused, they would reject his order.

The US president has no direct authority to do so, but he can block federal aid