They really don't have a choice this time.
Even if their "faith" (misguided or not) led them to carry on and minister to others at a time like this, authorities be damned as they answer a higher calling........
they cant.
Why?
Because they are under so much scrutiny for child abuse cases that they just can't afford the publicity. They cant defy anything else right now because they are guilty of that one big thing already.
Another reason might be now that org has commandeered ownership of all the Kingdom Halls, there could be liability issues if someone traced a covid outbreak to that as a source. They don't want to be stuck paying for anyone's long term care.
It's similar to how they won't let the K H s be used for hurricane or tornado shelters - although some states are now regulating that as well.