Dear All,

Removal of Fixed Maximum Attendance

The Government have said that from 26^th April the “50” limit on capacity in churches will be removed. After that date churches will not have a fixed maximum, and instead can take their safe socially-distanced capacity. We will still be required to observe 2m distancing, so for many churches the practical effect may not be notable (and some churches are too small even for the current maximum). The Government will issue further guidance about how to determine our safe capacity – I will pass that on to you when it is issued. We will be expected to properly assess our capacity, and the guidance should explain how to demonstrate that.

This change does not affect attendance at weddings and funerals. Until 26^th April the maximum at weddings remains 5 and at funerals 20. After 26^th April the maximum at both weddings and funerals will be 50. All going well, by early June this should rise to 100 and then 200 at the end of June (although as long as 2m social distancing remains in force few churches would be able to fit 100 or 200 anyway).

Local environmental health departments will be enforcing the safety of church buildings should any complaints be made.

Levels

The current Government plan is for all of Scotland to move to Level 3 on 26^th April, Level 2 on 17^th May, Level 1 in early June, and Level 0 in late June. You may find this pdf helpful to know what will be allowed at each level https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2020/10/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/documents/covid-19-protection-levels-summary-information-on-what-you-can-and-cannot-do/covid-19-protection-levels-summary-information-on-what-you-can-and-cannot-do/govscot%3Adocument/COVID-19%2Bprotection%2Blevels%2B-%2Bsummary%2Binformation%2Bon%2Bwhat%2Byou%2Bcan%2Band%2Bcannot%2Bdo%2B--.pdf

First Holy Communion

With the First Holy Communion season approaching we have been asked to make a point of encouraging parents and families to observe all the rules about social gatherings afterwards.

Use of Halls for Overflow

The latest edition of the Government Guidance offers the following guidance on using halls for overflow liturgies

·         Each space should be fully self-contained.  Any interconnecting doors must be kept permanently closed.  Nobody, including worship leaders, may move between halls. [Please note: The Government have now agreed that a priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister can move from the church to the hall to take Holy Communion. If the two buildings are separate there is no issue. If the hall is directly connected to the church, if at all possible the connecting door should not be used and Communion should be taken via a different route that avoids the any direct airflow between the two spaces].

         Each space should have its own entrance and exit to the outside.  Those worshipping in different spaces should not use common corridors or lobbies.

         Members of one household should all worship in the same space, as should any groups who have shared transport to the place of worship.

        A separate register should be kept for each space for Test and Protect.

         Spaces should be well ventilated, with windows and external doors kept open.  If the building has mechanical ventilation this should be carefully assessed, in line with the ventilation guidance, to ensure it does not transfer air between separate spaces.

        The arrival and dispersal of worshipping groups should be managed separately, with entry and exit times staggered, so that the two groups do not mix together.  This can also help to avoid pressure on local transport.

        All reasonable steps should be taken to prevent worshippers from congregating outside the place of worship.

         Worshippers should be advised to disperse quickly and avoid meeting outside.

With best wishes

Canon Paul Gargaro

Diocesan Coordinator