CofE statement as of the 26th January 2022
“As ‘plan B’ restrictions in England come to an end the future remains uncertain and we must continue to be cautious. In our churches government rules have been eased but I would still encourage congregations to consider what mitigation can best protect others. As we look now towards spring and the vivid demonstration of new life it offers us, my prayer is that we won’t forget what we’ve learnt; that we take this opportunity to thank others and that we look with hope to the future.”
The Chalice
Though the church has given permission for the chalice to be shared, the PCC wish, for the moment that the president be the only person who receives Holy Communion in the form of wine.
Singing
Singing and musical performances of all kinds are allowed in churches, including congregational singing, and choirs and worship groups can perform without legal limitations.
Wearing masks
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in church but may be recommended in enclosed or crowded places, particularly where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. The PCC has agreed that this should be at the discretion of the individual.
Cleaning?
Government guidance continues to remind us that increased frequency of cleaning of general room surfaces reduces the presence of the virus and the risk of contact transmission.
However, unless notified specifically by NHS Test and Trace, there is no need to quarantine a building or individual items between uses/opening periods, so long as some form of cleaning of touchable surfaces is able to take place.