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<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\nIntroduction<\/strong> Acts of Worship<\/strong> The scientific consensus is that society is moving towards the stage where the virus is transitioning This, however, has to be balanced against the need to move forward safely towards a normal lifestyle This guidance has been written with this principle in mind.<\/p>\n Alongside the positive effects of covid vaccination, it should be stressed that any people displaying The main form of virus transmission is via personal oral or nasal aerosol. Those attending an act of It is clear from scientific evidence that transmission from surfaces (touch transmission) is now Regarding the liturgical action, there should be a return to the normal mode of celebrating Mass Where there is physical touch as part of another Rite of the Church (for example, anointing of the Congregational singing may continue and there is a general encouragement to wear face coverings Social Activities<\/strong> Home Visits<\/strong> Conclusion<\/strong> Rev. Canon Christopher Thomas
\nFollowing the announcement by HM Government on 19th January that the measures put in place to
\nmitigate against covid virus transmission as \u201cPlan B\u201d will be lifted in full on 27th January, the
\nfollowing guidance is offered to the dioceses of England and Wales. The material in this briefing
\nhas been agreed with Public Health officials and follows the regulations for England and concur
\nwith the regulations in place for Wales which take effect on 28th January 2022 (apart from the note
\nregarding face coverings below).<\/p>\n
\nThe main mitigation against serious health issues arising from covid infection is to be fully
\nvaccinated; this means two doses plus a booster for anyone aged 16 or over. The vaccine programme
\nin England and Wales has had a major impact in reducing death and serious illness from infection
\nwith Covid-19. The Church in England and Wales supports the vaccination programme and
\nencourages people to be vaccinated.<\/p>\n
\nfrom the pandemic phase to the endemic phase, but as stated by HM Government, there is still a risk
\nassociated with gathering for sustained periods in enclosed spaces and therefore there needs to be
\ncontinued caution by all against infection.<\/p>\n
\nand these two positions will always be held in tension. This holding in tension is the key to living
\nsafely with Covid-19, namely keeping infections from a virus that cannot be eliminated to levels
\nwhich minimise disruption to people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
\nsymptoms of Covid-19 should stay at home and not participate in acts of worship in church. This is
\ngood practice for any transmissible illness. Medical advice should be sought as appropriate for those
\nwho are ill.<\/p>\n
\nworship may continue to wear a face covering (both nose and mouth) whilst in the church building
\n(NB face coverings remain mandatory in Wales until further advised). There is no need for formal
\nsocial distancing in church buildings, although those present should be sensitive to the needs of
\nothers around them. Churches should continue to ensure there is good ventilation, balancing this
\nagainst the need for church heating, especially at this time.<\/p>\n
\nminimal and so the use of hymn books, missals and other worship aids can be resumed with
\nimmediate effect. Whilst it is still good practice to sanitise hands on entry and exit of churches, there
\nis no need for readers (or other ministers) to sanitise their hands before reading or performing other
\nministries in the church. All ministers of Holy Communion (clergy and lay people) should still
\nsanitise their hands for the distribution of Holy Communion. Holy water stoups may be refilled but
\ncare should be seen that the water is changed regularly (at a minimum of once a week). Usual forms
\nof church cleaning are sufficient.<\/p>\n
\nrespecting the integrity of the Rite. This would include the reintroduction of the Prayer of the
\nFaithful (where this has not been reinstated already), the Sign of Peace may be offered again if felt
\nappropriate, and Holy Communion should be distributed at the usual place and in the usual mode
\n(i.e. with the faithful approaching the minister in an orderly procession). For the time being, Holy
\nCommunion must continue to be given under one kind only (the Sacred Host) and for
\nconcelebrations of clergy, intinction of the Precious Blood with the Sacred Host should continue to
\nbe used.<\/p>\n
\nsick, ashing of foreheads etc) the use of cotton buds is no longer mandated, but the hands should be
\ncleaned well before and after the Rite.<\/p>\n
\nwhile singing. However, it is recognised that not everyone will feel able to do this.<\/p>\n
\nParish social activities can resume (if they have been suspended) from the revert date to Plan A. It
\nis recommended that the normal Health and Safety risk assessment for the activity and the space
\nused for the activity is reviewed for these types of gatherings.<\/p>\n
\nHome visits can continue (or begin again if they had been suspended) by priests, deacons and
\nextraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and other volunteers. The minister to the sick or
\nhousebound person should take care to ensure that the number of visits to different homes in a single
\nsession of visiting is managed. It is recommended (outside hospital and hospice chaplaincies and
\nsocial care institutions who have infection control in place) that the number of people visited is
\nassessed beforehand to prevent the possibilities of transmitting the virus between people. Assessing
\nthe time spent with people and ensuring that there is good ventilation and cleanliness during the
\nvisit are also good practice.<\/p>\n
\nWhilst this reduction of restrictions brings about a more normal way of living, the Covid-19 virus is
\nstill in circulation, and this should be in the mind of those participating in the life of the Church as
\ntime goes forward holding in balance the need for personal safety and taking responsibility for that
\nsafety.<\/p>\n
\nFINAL
\n24th January 2022
\nUpdated 28th January 2022<\/p>\n