This definitely will be one of the most unique Easter observances in recent memory, shaped by the need for social distancing due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Many area churches are hosting Good Friday and Easter Sunday services to empty seats, livestreaming the ceremonies online for members to watch from home. Others will have services in their parking lot, broadcasting over FM radio to parishioners who remain in their vehicles.

“At the end of the service, worshippers greeted each other by honking their horns,” said the Rev. Matt Ruesch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford.

The massive annual egg hunt in Norway has been canceled, though the hope is to have it at another time when the threat of COVID-19 hopefully has lifted.

It’s tough, marking such significant religious observances as Passover, which started Wednesday, and Easter under such challenges.

But the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department stressed this week it’s important to make these celebrations small, personal, possibly private.

“That’s not to say that you cannot celebrate Easter, it just means you need to celebrate in a different, safe and healthy way,” the department advised.

The DIDHD suggests these precautions this Easter:

— Avoid getting together with others outside the household. “It will be so tempting to visit or gather with family and friends to celebrate Easter but symptoms of COVID-19 on average take five days to show up from the time of infection and a person can still pass the virus on to family and friends during that time,” the DIDHD advised. “Also, some people have no symptoms of the disease and look well and can transmit the virus. By gathering, you are creating new links and possibilities for the type of transmission that all of our school/work/public event closures are trying to prevent.”

— Don’t travel to another community or state. COVID-19 is more widespread in certain areas of Michigan, neighboring Wisconsin and other areas of the United States. Travel may increase the chance of being exposed to the virus. And if exposed, it increases the chances of transmitting the virus to the community upon your return.

So keep the celebrations small and at home. Dye eggs. Make baskets. Worship from a distance. And have a happy — and safe — Easter.