Coronavirus Advice
In view of the recent increased cases of positive Covid-19 test results within our Church community,
anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild,
SHOULD NOT ATTEND Church.
They should self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.
Government advice: Covid-19 guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Recommendations Regarding Worship in Our Churches.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Guidance for people attending a place of worship and those who are responsible for these venues.
The government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.
It is important to consider that others may wish to take a more cautious approach. We should all be considerate of this and provide the opportunity and space for others to reduce close contacts if they wish.
Keeping yourself and others safe
It is important that we all use personal judgement to manage our own risk. All of us can play our part by exercising common sense and considering the risks.
Steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of transmission
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild,
SHOULD NOT ATTEND.
They should self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.
You must also self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering.
Social distancing in a place of worship is now a personal choice.
People are encouraged to respect other attendees and those working who may wish to adopt a more cautious approach.
The NHS COVID-19 app is a vital part of NHS Test and Trace in England and Wales. Using the app helps stop the spread of the virus by informing you that you have been in close contact with someone who has since tested positive for coronavirus, even if you don’t know each other.
Several simple and effective personal hygiene behaviours can also continue to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. These include:
· washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
· avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and washing your hands before and after if you do need to touch your face (for example to put on or take off your face covering)
· covering your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze, or sneezing into the crook of your elbow (not your hands) if you do not have a tissue
Please refer to the guidance on how to stay safe and stop the spread of coronavirus for further information and the actions to take to reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19.
Social distancing and capacity
You do not need to implement social distancing (2 metres or 1 metre plus with mitigations).
However, you may choose to limit the close contact you have with people you do not usually live with. You may also choose to take a free test before being in close contact to help manage periods of risk. These are personal choices which can help reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.
Please refer to the guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 for further information and the actions to take to reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19.
Let fresh air in
When worship takes place inside or in other enclosed spaces, consider how the space can be continually well ventilated, before, during and after.
Letting fresh air into indoor spaces is important because when a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, talks or breathes, they release droplets and aerosols which can be inhaled by other people. The more fresh air there is to breathe, the less likely other people are to inhale infectious particles.
There is further guidance on ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Protecting the vulnerable
Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else.
However, as someone who is at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if you were to catch COVID-19, you should think particularly carefully about precautions you can continue to take. These precautions are included in the guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
Handling objects and communal resources
Surfaces can become contaminated with viruses like COVID-19. Once contaminated, touching them can transfer viruses to people’s eyes, nose or mouth. From there, viruses can enter someone’s body and infect them. This means that, touching or kissing objects that are handled communally including consumables, carries a risk of catching or spreading a virus.
The use of shared communal objects, including consumables, is now a personal choice. However, you are advised to follow the advice on personal hygiene.
Those responsible for places of worship should facilitate access to hygiene facilities, for example by providing cleaning facilities and hand sanitiser.
Singing, music, and performances
There are no limits on the number of people who can sing or perform indoors or outdoors. However, some activities can also increase the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19. This happens where people are doing activities which generate more particles as they breathe heavily, such as singing, dancing, exercising or raising their voices.
The risk is greatest where these activities take place when people are in close contact with others, for example in crowded indoor spaces where people are raising their voices.
In situations where there is a higher risk of catching or passing on COVID-19, you should be particularly careful to follow the guidance on keeping yourself and others safe as we return to normality.
Venues
All places of worship should follow the principles set out in the working safely guidance. The working safely guidance is also relevant to those responsible for maintaining venues which are used by the public and includes further information on cleaning and ventilation.
Employers and venue managers continue to have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business or organisation. The way to do this is to carry out a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of COVID-19, and to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks you identify. The working safely guidance sets out a range of mitigations employers and venue managers should consider including:
· cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly
· identifying poorly ventilated areas in the venue and taking steps to improve air flow
· ensuring that staff and visitors who are unwell do not attend the workplace or venue
· communicating to staff and visitors the measures you have put in place
Food and drink
Where food and drinks are consumed, staff and attendees should follow the guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services.
There is no requirement for guests to be placed on socially distanced tables though they should consider the risks of not maintaining social distancing, as set out in the guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread.
27th January 2022
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR ENGLAND ONLY.
In support of the Government's initiative to improve the 
'Track and Trace' system, our churches are displaying the QR code, for you to scan, as you enter the building. If not displayed or working on your device, you will be able to enter your details manually, on a 'Track and Trace' list.
Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, India
https://www.allwecan.org.uk/donate/current-appeals/emergencycoronavirusappeal/