{"id":16361,"date":"2021-07-17T10:59:09","date_gmt":"2021-07-17T09:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/11host.me\/stmary\/?p=16361"},"modified":"2022-12-30T17:26:10","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T17:26:10","slug":"latest-covid-19-guidelines-from-the-bishops-of-england-and-wales-19-july-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/11host.me\/stmary\/latest-covid-19-guidelines-from-the-bishops-of-england-and-wales-19-july-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest Covid 19 Guidelines from the Bishops of England and Wales 19 July 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

CATHOLIC BISHOPS\u2019 CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES<\/span><\/strong>
\nCovid-19 Route Map: Step 4 Guidance<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong>
\nThis Guidance is offered to the Dioceses of England and Wales as the country moves into Step 4 (19th
\nJuly) of the Government Covid-19 Response Roadmap published in February 2021. This date has
\nbeen delayed by 5 weeks as the Government wanted to ensure that a greater proportion of the public
\nhad received the vaccine before moving to this point.
\nIt is important to reiterate that as Step 4 is reached, the general principles of continuing to create a
\nsafe environment in places of worship and their ancillary buildings are not abandoned. Indeed, the
\nway forward must be a collective endeavour of all involved in the daily life of the Church in England
\nand Wales. Recognition of the presence of the virus in the population means that certain preventative
\npractices will still be required, and this is important to ensure that Diocesan trustees are seen to be
\ndischarging their Health and Safety duties.
\nThe Health and Safety Executive have issued new guidance for employers and for organisations, and
\nthis makes clear that a duty to keep premises safe continues beyond the removal of any covid-19
\nlegislation.1 Indeed, the Government has stated that changes moving forward would be on a riskbased
\napproach for all organisations with the responsibility to ensure appropriate measures to
\nsafeguard public health sitting with the management of the organisation.
\nAlthough any measures adopted locally will not have the \u201crule of law,\u201d there is a strong emphasis on
\ncommon sense and risk averse activities to continue to mitigate against the transmission of the virus
\nwhich is still prevalent in society.
\nGeneral Principles
\nThis guidance has been prepared following discussions with officials from Public Health England
\nand HM Government Places of Worship Task Force. Key to implementation of this guidance is the
\nGovernment\u2019s understanding of moving away from centralised detailed regulation to prudent local
\njudgements adopting a continuing cautious approach to easements. The key watchwords for the
\nfuture steps are discernment of local prevailing conditions and careful consideration of what
\nmitigations are needed in the light of these.
\nThe following general principles apply:
\n1. Prevailing Local Conditions
\nAll places of worship should always consider the prevailing local conditions for the virus.
\nSpecial consideration should be given to rates at which people are being vaccinated in the
\nlocality, the prevalence of new variants of the virus, the local rates of hospital admissions and
\nany local public health advice. These data can be obtained from the Director of Public Health
\nat the local authority (in England) or the Local Health Board (in Wales), or the local
\nEnvironmental Health Department , and it is important to have knowledge of these figures.<\/p>\n

1 https:\/\/www.hse.gov.uk\/coronavirus\/roadmap-further-guidance.htm<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. Mitigations<\/strong>
\nIt is important to mitigate against the risks of virus transmission. Although the vaccine rollout
\nprogramme is very successful to date, over 85% of adults having had one dose and 64% two
\ndoses, the risk of transmission is still live and there are enough people not protected by
\nvaccination to result in significant hospitalisations. However, HM Government has clearly
\nstated that the progression from infection to hospitalisation and ultimately to deaths has been
\nappreciably reduced through the vaccine programme. Most people admitted to hospital
\ncurrently are only partially vaccinated or not vaccinated at all and communities should
\ncontinue to encourage people to participate in the vaccination programme.
\nChurches should continue to provide hand sanitiser at entrances and exits and face coverings
\nare strongly recommended to be worn by those in church. General cleaning to a good
\nstandard, using commonly available cleaning fluids and detergents, with attention to frequent
\ntouchpoints is the standard to continue. This is consistent with the advice from Public Health
\nEngland. While the virus can land on surfaces and can infect people if they touch those
\nsurfaces and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes, this risk is significantly lower than the risk
\nfrom aerosol or droplet spread which is mitigated against with good ventilation and a face
\ncovering.
\nThere are key actions which churches and parishes have been doing, and should continue to
\ndo, even after 19th July which significantly reduce this risk. These are noted in Appendix 1.<\/p>\n

3. Social Distancing and Capacity of Churches<\/strong>
\nFrom 19th July, there will be no legislation on social distancing in England but regulations
\nwill continue in Wales for now, and thus churches may increase their capacity, recognising
\nthat for the time being different rules apply for England and Wales.
\nCare has to be taken to ensure that churches continue to be places where people feel safe to
\ngather to worship. Each local community should examine the local conditions regarding the
\nvirus, and adopt an attitude of care for the people who desire to attend Mass. Suggestions to
\nhelp this include (but are not limited to):
\na. In large churches, designating an area of the church where there will be set places,
\nsocially distant from each other, and where those seated there will be required to
\nwear a face covering.
\nb. In places which cannot do this, considering whether one Mass over the weekend
\nschedule would continue providing a reduced capacity with social distancing.
\nc. Producing simple cards with a phrase such as \u201cPlease leave a Space\u201d which people
\ncan pick up on entry to church and put beside them so that a space can be left to
\nallow for distancing.
\nThe adoption of methods such as these will build confidence in the people that the church
\nremains a safe place to enter and worship.
\nEach church should continue to assess the local situation regarding the virus and adapt as
\nnecessary to the local conditions. This may mean that in areas of very high transmission,
\nchurches may have tighter measures than in areas of lower transmission.<\/p>\n

4. Congregational Singing<\/strong>
\nIndoor congregational singing will be permitted from 19th July. The use of cantor groups and
\nother choirs is now permitted. It is recommended that singing should be phased in gently as part of worship over the summer period and that face coverings should be worn by members
\nof the congregation whilst singing together, until infection levels reduce.<\/p>\n

Acts of Worship<\/strong>
\nAs the restrictions are lifted public acts of worship can return to normal practice, with some
\nexceptions for the time being. All of the above mitigations in creating safe spaces should be
\nconsidered by the local communities as means of promoting public confidence in the covid security
\nof churches. In addition the following are recommended as good practice.<\/p>\n

1. Opening of Churches<\/strong>
\nChurches can be left open and unsupervised for individual prayer during times when
\nthere are no public acts of worship. QR codes (or other means of attendee
\nidentification) should be clearly signposted at entrances and those entering encouraged
\nto use them for test, track and trace purposes. Hand sanitiser should still be made
\nprominently available for people to use.<\/p>\n

2. Test, Track and Trace<\/strong>
\nAs long as the NHS Test, Track and Trace system is in operation, churches should
\ncontinue to make available the means for people to sign in for acts of worship using
\nthe NHS app and the associated QR codes (or other means of attendee identification).
\nIf an online Mass Booking system is in place, this too could be adapted to the new
\ncapacities of the churches and continue to be used so that attendees are known.<\/p>\n

3. One-way systems and movement of people<\/strong>
\nIt is no longer necessary to have one-way systems or other restrictions on movement
\nin churches from this time onward. People should exercise good responsible behaviour
\nespecially when moving to receive Holy Communion during Mass and should avoid
\ngetting too close to each other.<\/p>\n

4. Stewards<\/strong>
\nThe deployment of stewards will no longer be necessary to show people to designated
\nseats etc (except when a community has decided to employ social distancing as part of
\na scheduled Mass). However, a welcoming presence at the church door is a valuable
\nsign of hospitality, and stewards can assist in the cleaning of frequently used touch
\npoints within the church building.<\/p>\n

5. Anointings as part of the Liturgy<\/strong>
\nMoving forward, liturgies of the Church which involve anointing can be addressed in
\ntwo ways. If there is a single subject (like a single child baptism or the anointing of a
\nsick person) the thumb can be used providing it is cleaned and sanitised before and
\nafter each application (for example using an antiviral wipe). If there are multiple
\nsubjects (as in a confirmation) then a cotton bud for each candidate should be used.
\nAgain, local judgement has to be applied in each situation.<\/p>\n

A. Celebration of Holy Mass<\/strong>
\nThe following is recommended for the celebration of Holy Mass from the 19th July within the
\nchurches and communities in England and Wales:
\n\u2022 At this time, it is not recommended that Holy Water stoups are refilled. Should people
\nwish to receive holy water, it is recommended that a container with a tap is provided
\nso that small bottles can be filled which can then be taken home.<\/p>\n

All usual ministers for the celebration of Holy Mass can be deployed such as servers,
\ncantors, readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
\n\u2022 The offertory collection can be resumed in church with baskets and pouches, however,
\nit is encouraged to promote online or contactless giving in the churches if possible
\n\u2022 It is recommended that the physical Sign of Peace remain suspended as it is not an
\nintegral part of the Mass, and its omission will help to reduce physical contact between
\npeople during the celebration.
\n\u2022 Holy Communion will continue to be under one kind and the ministers will continue
\nto sanitise their hands beforehand and wear a face covering whilst distributing.
\nCommunion is recommended to be distributed in the hand but those who wish to
\nreceive on the tongue may do so. There should be care on the part of the minister to
\navoid physical contact with the hand or the tongue of the communicant when
\ndistributing Holy Communion. In the event of contamination the minister should
\nsanitise their hands before further distribution.
\n\u2022 Concelebration is permitted and Holy Communion by the concelebrants should be by
\nintinction (including the principal celebrant), and the consumption of the remaining
\nsacred species and cleansing of the chalice should be performed by the principal
\ncelebrant alone.<\/p>\n

B. Celebration of Holy Baptism<\/strong>
\nBaptisms now have no restrictions on numbers attending however it is recommended that single
\nfamilies should have children baptised at any one celebration. Baptisms involving multiple families
\nand children should be avoided for now.
\nC. Celebration of Confirmation<\/strong>
\nConfirmations can be celebrated as usual with the caveat that the laying on of hands should be by the
\ncelebrant extending the hands over the confirmandi and the Sign of Peace be a gesture without any
\nphysical contact.
\nD. Celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick<\/strong>
\nIf this takes place in a hospital or care home, then the minister should take advice regarding the level
\nof PPE required from the institution. The laying on of hands should be by extension over the sick
\nperson and the anointing can be done as indicated in (5) above. The Sign of Peace should be a gesture
\nwithout touch.
\nIt is also important to note that Government regulations have now been introduced requiring people
\nwho regularly visit care homes to be vaccinated in England. This will include sick visitors from
\nparishes and clergy. The legislation is likely to come into force in October 2021. A separate note
\nwill be produced on this in due course.2
\nE. Celebration of Ordination<\/strong>
\nThe Bishop and those who lay hands on the one to be ordained should sanitise their hands before and
\nafter the action. The anointing should be done as per (5) above by the bishop. Care should be
\nobserved to minimise the number of people handling the symbols of ministry which are given and
\nreceived as part of the rite. The Sign of Peace should be a gesture without touching.<\/p>\n

2 The Government has made a statement regarding this development at :
\nhttps:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/everyone-working-in-care-homes-to-be-fully-vaccinated-under-new-law-toprotect-
\nresidents<\/p>\n

F. Celebration of Marriage<\/strong>
\nThere is no restriction on the number of people that can attend marriages in the Church. Marriages
\nin the form of a Nuptial Mass should observe the recommendations for the Celebration of Holy Mass.
\nThose within a Marriage Service outside of Mass should apply the usual norms.<\/p>\n

G. Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation<\/strong>
\nA physical barrier, such as a Perspex sheet or heavy curtain, should cover the grille between the
\nconfessor and the penitent. Good ventilation of the penitent\u2019s side of the confessional should be
\ndeployed to prevent stagnation of air.
\nConfessional boxes should be cleaned after the period of confessions has ended, and the doors left
\nopen to facilitate good ventilation.<\/p>\n

H. Celebration of Funerals<\/strong>
\nThere is no restriction on the number of people that can attend funerals in the Church however, good
\ncollaboration with Funeral Directors over the local conditions and regulations regarding the place of
\ncommittal should continue. Funerals in the form of a Requiem Mass should observe the
\nrecommendations for the Celebration of Holy Mass. Other funeral services should follow the ritual
\nas published.<\/p>\n

Home Visits<\/strong>
\nHome visits can now take place by priests, deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
\nand other volunteers. The minister to the sick or housebound person must take care to ensure that a
\nminimum number of visits takes place to different homes in a single session of visiting. There are
\nthree important steps to avoid possible spread of the virus, especially if someone is infected but
\nasymptomatic:
\no It is recommended (outside hospital and hospice chaplaincies who have infection control
\nin place) that only one morning and one afternoon visit is made in a day to minimise risk
\nof infection.
\no The use of regular freely available covid-19 home test kits is recommended for those doing
\npastoral visits, to ensure they are not potential vectors of infection to those who are sick
\nand medically vulnerable. These can be obtained through
\nwww.gov.uk\/find-covid-19-lateral-flow-test-site
\no Careful hand sanitisation and minimising of exposure times indoors are important
\nconsiderations as well.<\/p>\n

Social Activities<\/strong>
\nParish social activities can be resumed from 19th July. It is strongly recommended that a risk
\nassessment for both the activity and the space is completed for the gathering. Government guidance
\nfor the use of multi-purpose facilities is referenced (NB this has not been updated since 17 May).3<\/p>\n

Catechetical Groups\/Formation Groups\/Prayer Groups<\/strong>
\nIt is recommended that a blended mode of catechesis takes place moving forward, with a combination
\nof both in-person meetings for those involved as well as online sessions. The requirements for covid
\nsecurity should be determined locally, following any Government guidance that becomes available.<\/p>\n

3 https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-communityfacilities\/
\ncovid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilities<\/p>\n

Non-Church Buildings<\/strong>
\nCIS Ltd has provided a set of guidance for the safe use of parish halls and other ancillary spaces for
\nchurch premises which sets out the obligations on both Church authorities and groups and hirers.
\nThis is appended to this document.<\/p>\n

Rev. Canon Christopher Thomas
\nFINAL
\n15th July 2021<\/p>\n

Appendix 1<\/strong>
\nRecommended Key Mitigating Actions against Virus Transmission in Churches
\nwhich should continue post 19th July 2021
\n1. Sanitising hands on entry to churches and before liturgies as in current church guidance
\nreduces risk.
\n2. Ensuring people wear face coverings properly will reduce aerosol or droplet spread.
\n3. Ventilating buildings well (especially during and between services) remains important.
\n4. Maintaining a good general standard of routine cleaning using usual cleaning detergents is
\nsufficient for regular use:
\na) Cleaning high frequency touch points in buildings after each act of worship.
\nb) Thoroughly cleaning the church once a week.
\n5. Clearing spillages of body fluids (faeces, blood, vomit etc) should always follow specific
\nhigher standards not just because of SARS-CoV-2 but because of other pathogens. This
\nguidance is reproduced in Appendix 2, again for ease of reference. If your own cleaners have
\na specific protocol in existence for body fluid spillages, then follow that.
\n6. If someone has tested positive for covid-19 who has used your building in the last 24 hours,
\nand you are aware of this, then you should clean thoroughly using ordinary detergents. That
\ndoes not mean a \u201cdeep clean\u201d, which is not necessary. See footnote for a link for more
\ndetailed guidance.4
\n7. The risk of surface contamination while generally low is higher where there is long exposure
\ntime in the building, ventilation is poor, there is a high throughput of people, and where there
\nis greater aerosol generation. Mitigating against these reduces risk.<\/p>\n

4 https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings\/covid-19-
\ndecontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings<\/p>\n

Appendix 2<\/strong>
\nCleaning spillages of body fluids in all situations
\nGuidance has been in place for some time on cleaning spillages of bodily fluids to prevent spread of
\npathogens such as Hepatitis, E Coli, Norovirus and so on. You may already have guidance in place
\nfor this from your health and safety adviser or insurer, in which case this should be followed.
\nBody fluid spillage kits are strongly advisable, especially those which have granules which can absorb
\nfluids and prevent splashes on those cleaning the spillage or others. They provide materials and
\ninstructions for safe cleaning and disposal and can be obtained from good cleaning suppliers.
\nFollowing manufacturer\u2019s instructions on these is important because the content of kits differ. Such
\nkits also contain cleaning fluids which are less likely to cause harm to surfaces than making up
\nsolutions of hypochlorite bleach.
\nSpillages of body fluids such as blood, sputum, vomit, faeces or urine can present an infection risk
\nfor a variety of infections and should be cleaned up immediately. Cleaners should treat every spillage
\nof body fluids or body waste as potentially infectious.
\nSpecific guidance applies from government to play groups for children.
\nCleaners should wear protective gloves and aprons and use disposable wipes wherever possible. Eye
\nprotection is advised if there is risk of splashing.
\nFor a spillage of blood, a 10,000ppm hypochlorite solution (1:10 chlorine releasing eg bleach to
\nwater) should be used. Staff should follow the procedure below. Even better is to use a body fluid
\ndisposal kit which has granules in it which absorb and solidify the spillage.
\n1. Put on disposable gloves and apron (protective goggles should be used if there is
\ndanger of splashing) and ensure that the area of the spillage is well ventilated and clear
\nof service users, other staff and visitors.
\n2. If using a hypochlorite solution, prepare it in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s
\ninstructions \u2014 if using granules apply directly to the spill.
\n3. Cover the spillage with paper towels.
\n4. Carefully wipe up the spillage with more towels soaked in hypochlorite.
\n5. Dispose of the waste in a clinical waste bag.
\n6. Wash hands in soap and water.
\nSolid or semi-solid matter (eg faeces) in the spillage should be removed first as this can inhibit the
\ndisinfectant.
\nNote:
\nChlorine releasing disinfectants such as hypochlorite should never be used directly on urine spills as
\nthis can release irritant chlorine gas. Urine should be cleaned up using towels and the area cleaned
\nwith detergent before applying disinfectant.<\/p>\n

2021.07.15 – Step 4 Guidance – FINAL<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CATHOLIC BISHOPS\u2019 CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES
\nStatement from the Catholic Bishops of England
\nSunday \u2013 It is Our Day (1)<\/p>\n

On 19th July, the current legislative powers which assist the mitigations against the covid-19 virus
\ntransmission will be rescinded by HM Government. Nevertheless, there will be an
\nencouragement to personal and corporate responsibility in this area; as the Prime Minister said
\nin his most recent statement \u201cThe pandemic is not over.\u201d Even without this legislation in place,
\nthe Church in England and Wales will be adopting a cautious approach to capacity and activity
\nwithin our buildings, especially at corporate acts of worship.
\nWe are mindful of the certain fact that the Covid-19 virus is still circulating in society. Vaccines
\nprovide genuine protection against the worst effects of the virus, yet we recognise the legitimate
\nfear on the part of some who otherwise desire to gather for Holy Mass. It is our continuing
\njudgement, therefore, that it is not possible at the present time for all of the faithful to attend
\nMass on a Sunday thus fulfilling their duty to God.
\nIt is hoped that it will be possible for all Catholics in England and Wales to fulfil this most<\/strong>
\nimportant Church precept, that of the Sunday Obligation, by the First Sunday in Advent 2021.<\/strong>
\nIn the meantime, all Catholics are asked to do their best to participate in the celebration of the
\nweekly Sunday Mass and to reflect deeply on the centrality of Sunday worship in the life of the
\nChurch.
\nIn April, following our Plenary Assembly, we offered a reflection on the experience of the
\nextraordinary long months of the pandemic. It was titled The Day of the Lord. We also began to
\nlook at the way forward. We spoke about the important invitation to restore the Sunday Mass
\nto its rightful centrality in our lives. We asked for a rekindling in our hearts of a yearning for the
\nReal Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, as our response to the total, sacrificial love that Jesus
\nhas for us. We said: \u201cThe Eucharist should be the cause of our deepest joy, our highest manner
\nof offering thanks to God and for seeking his mercy and love. We need to make it the foundation
\nstone of our lives.\u201d
\nMay this continue to be our striving during these coming months as we journey back to the full
\ncelebration of our Sunday Mass and our renewed observance of The Day of the Lord.<\/p>\n

1 St Jerome, In Die Dominica Paschae II<\/p>\n

2021.07.13 – Statement – Sunday it is our Day FINAL<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CATHOLIC BISHOPS\u2019 CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES Covid-19 Route Map: Step 4 Guidance Introduction This Guidance is offered to the Dioceses of England and Wales as the country moves into…<\/p>\n

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